Community groups, schools, artists, organisations and businesses along with community arts programme OUTSIDE are co-creating a Live Advent Calendar in Leek this December.

Every morning in December on the run up to Christmas Day, the location of a door will be revealed on the OUTSIDE website and social media channels. Residents of Leek and beyond are invited to find the real door in the town, and open it between 4pm and 7pm (5pm-8pm on 7 December, 4pm-5pm on 24 December), to be treated to a surprising festive moment.  

With singers and storytellers, dancers and drummers, theatrical experiences and twinkly light trails, there’s a whole host of wonderful experiences to discover behind the doors. Over 40 different groups, organisations and venues are involved in the project, from shops and sports clubs to cafes and churches, with activities, displays and performances being delivered by a huge variety of people including artists, students and musicians. 

OUTSIDE creative director Sarah Bird said: “We can’t wait to reveal the enchanting things happening behind each of the 24 Doors in the lead up to Christmas. The ideas and creativity from everyone involved has been astounding. And we encourage everyone to join in, discover the surprises behind each door, and create lasting memories together.” 

24 Doors culminates on Christmas Eve with carol singing and the premiere of a brand new carol written especially for Leek by musician Cat McGill, and performed by community choirs and singers from the local area. The performance is open to anyone who would like to join in. People can learn the carol ‘On Christmas Night’ ahead of the event if they wish – sheet music, lyrics and audio files as well as the option to join rehearsals are available at catmcgill.uk/on-christmas-night. 

For those who can’t make it along in person each day, there will be a digital version of the calendar at outsidearts.org where they can find out what’s behind each door.