Charity, Christchurch | Posted on January 8th, 2026 | return to news

Christchurch Christmas fundraiser passes £100,000 milestone

Now in its fifth year, the annual Christchurch Living Advent Calendar has raised over £100,000 for local causes.

The organisers of the annual Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) have revealed that the annual community event has passed a major milestone, having raised more than £100,000 for local causes since it was first held in December 2021.

Organised by the Christchurch Rotary Club, the CLAC runs from 1 December to 24 December, with a free musical performance taking place every night at a different location around the town. Each event raises money for a selected charity and is sponsored by a local business.

Since Rotary adopted the concept, originally created in Stockholm in 2005, the annual event has raised in excess of £100,000 for local causes – with around £20,000 raised each year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, performers, venues and supporters.

Now in its fifth year, the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar has firmly established itself as one of the highlights of the festive season, celebrating local talent, supporting charities and showcasing the best of community spirit. The conclusion to CLAC 2025 on Christmas Eve was held in Saxon Square, bringing a magical finale to this year’s programme of free pop-up performances and fundraising events.

From choirs and solo vocalists to dance troupes and bands, the diverse programme of entertainment highlighted the depth of creative talent in Christchurch and beyond. Audiences were invited to make donations and take part in raffles, with funds raised going to a different local charity each night.

Highlights from CLAC 2025 included performances by the Rock Choir at The Priory, Georgie Carter at Loch & Quay, and a dance showcase from Mad4Dance. Just some of the supported charities were Bournemouth Heart Club, Julia’s House, Dorset Mind, Macmillan Caring Locally and many more, reinforcing CLAC’s role as a cornerstone of local charitable fundraising.

The CLAC team issued thanks to all their sponsors, including Hoburne Dental Practice, Grove Wealth Management, BNI Dorset, Pulford Publicity, United Taxis, Christchurch Charitable Trust and many others. The team also thanked the performers and venue hosts who donated their time and space for free.

To find out more about the CLAC, visit christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk.