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On a still and clear night in Henley, slightly less chilly than it has been so far, it was perfect conditions for an open air performance on the top deck of Hobbs’ of Henley’s New Orleans, which is where night 7 of the event took the audience this year, in partnership with the Henley Literary Festival and nearby Chocolate Café.

Guests received on boarding some delicious mulled wine from the hosts and some equally tasty home made mince pies from the Café. Sue Ryan of the Literary Festival welcomed the audience and introduced the night’s performers. After 5 days of musical acts, in keeping with the night’s partners, the performance commenced with a reading from Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol from local actors Simon Williams and wife Lucy Fleming, both who have featured in the Archers and appeared at the Literary Festival before. Simon was making his second Living Advent appearance. All to the back drop of Henley bridge and Saint Marys, lit up down the river, it made for another great spectacle.

Local musician then treated the audience to a beautiful version of Silent Night, before everyone joined in with a rousing We Wish You A Merry Christmas sing a long.

“Just when we think there can’t be a more idyllic setting or special Living Advent occasion, this happens” beamed event organiser Richard Rodway. “It’s great to be back on the New Orleans, and for the weather to be kind enough to allow us to go open air for the first time is just fantastic since it does just give the event that extra festive look and feel, and sense of special moment”.

The audience obviously agreed donating generously on the night for the night’s cause, the Chiltern Centre, with prizes kindly donated by the charity including a generous voucher for Brakspears. Two lucky winners became “Friends” of Henley Literary Festival too.

Thanks to Kathryn Fell for the photos.

The first week of the Living Advent is now complete, and day 8 takes the event to a brand new venue to the event, Handelsbanken. The audience is invited to congregate from 6pm in a cordoned off section of car park in the corner of Greys Road car park adjoining the offices of Handelsbanken, ready for the surprise performance at 6.15pm, and where they will be served some tasty treats by the night’s partners Pachangas Mexican Restaurant. All is aid of local charity Camp Mohawk tonight.