Hft’s festive celebration event, The Coming of Christmas, returns on Thursday 14th December for its 27th year, in the historic setting of Dorchester Abbey, Dorchester-on-Thames.

The abbey, beautifully decorated for Christmas, will be bathed in the glow of candles and twinkling lights, for a special evening of festive music and readings.

The evening will feature a magical programme of much-loved carols and seasonal songs, performed by the fantastic Donaghue Consort, an octet of up-and-coming young professionals, all of whom work as freelance choral singers and soloists across the country, with the help of some young performers from the local community.

The Coming of Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the past year and welcome in the Christmas season – all while supporting the vital work of Hft.  Not only will there be festive singing and warming refreshments on the night, but also a chance to browse our lovely craft stalls inside the abbey and tick off some of your Christmas shopping.

Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start. General admission to the event is £20, or why not treat yourself to a VIP ticket (including free drink and one of the best seats in the house) for just £30. We are also offering an early bird discount of £5 off each ticket type up until the first week of October.

This year we are also adding a virtual element to the celebrations so you can take part in The Coming of Christmas from the comfort of your home if you are unable to attend the event in person. So, grab your favourite Christmas jumper, get together with friends and loved ones and raise a glass of mulled wine to Hft, each other and the end of 2023! Tickets are just £7.50 for the virtual event within the early bird offer and after this will be £10.