The event, which ran throughout Advent last year, saw a different ‘door’ opened each day, with a surprise performance. The first performance was given by Autism Unlimited Portfield School Choir, and subsequent evenings saw individual and group singers, choirs, performing arts and dance groups and even an even bubble show from children’s entertainer Richard Welsh entertaining crowds of 50 to 500 people. It culminated with traditional carols on Christmas Eve in Saxon Square, accompanied by the Christchurch U3A Vintage Brass band.

The event, organised by Christchurch Rotary Club, led by Jan Banks, was intended not only to celebrate the festive season, but also to fundraise for charity. Each evening was sponsored by a local organisation in support of different charities and a total approaching £20,000 was raised.

At the closing event, the mayor, Cllr Sue Bungey, gave thanks to the organising group and local volunteers and announced that the CLAC was set to become an annual event following the first year’s success.

CLAC organiser Jan Banks said: “Thanks so much to all Rotary Club members for their support and for believing in CLAC from the very early stages. It has been a phenomenal success and a very enjoyable experience, but we couldn’t have pulled it off without the efforts and dedication of the Rotary team and the other volunteers and organisations who have come on board. Here’s to CLAC 2022.”