Blog

The Living Advent teamed up with the Henley Literary Festival for the first time for a very special surprise at the Hotel du Vin. Under a marquee in the courtyard, a staged fireside story telling setting had been created, and the hosts provided the audience with mulled wine and mice pies. Tom Ryan from the Literary Festival introduced the night’s performer to the large audience who gasped in delight at the news that is was one Baroness Floella Benjamin, who gave a very humorous and animated reading of The Twelve Days of Christmas by John Julius Norwich. With the audience armed with song-sheets, the Baroness then led the audience in a rendition of the musical festive classic “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

Fundraising on the night was on behalf of Sue Rider Nettlebed Hospice. Richard Rodway presided over the raffle draw with Louise Brooks from Sue Ryder, and Mayor Lorraine Hillier, with prizes kindly donated by the Literary Festival, Hotel du Vin and Spice Merchant.

A very festive and joyous atmosphere created once again, the Baroness was happy to pose for photographs afterwards, including with Richard Rodway who confessed to being somewhat in awe of such celebrity from his childhood.

Next up, and there’s another festival collaboration on day #14, as the Living Advent returns to the Bull on Bell Street, where sponsor Philip Booth Esq will be partnering and where fundraising on the night will be for the Henley Festival Trust.