PLANS for Christmas at the Wellesley 2018, featuring arts groups from the Wellington area, are taking shape.

Nancy Powell-Brace, co-owner of Odette’s tea room in High Street, is organising event, which was a sell-out last Christmas in its first year.

Thirteen groups or artists are signed up this year including Genesis Youth Theatre, Stage Right, Wellington Pantomime Group, Wellington Operatic Society, Wellington Choral Society and the Saxttets saxophone group. Wellington Silver Band will lead the community carols.

The event is aimed at all ages and tickets are priced £5 to make the event affordable to everyone. All proceeds from the evening will help provide Christmas trees for the town centre with anything left over going to Wellington Carnival.

Nancy has again secured sponsorship from Merlin Cinemas, estate agent Wilkie, May & Tuckwood and Carly Press.

Nancy said: “The grand finale of the evening involves everyone, on and off stage, singing I Saw Three Ships. This will be an arrangement of the carol written by the late composer John Gardner as a Christmas card for my father in the 1960s.

“They were great friends and John would often send my father little musical arrangements as Christmas cards/presents. This arrangement will bring together all the cast and audience as the final number.”

Tickets are on sale from Odette’s for the event on Sunday, December 2, at 6.30pm and it is anticipated they will sell quickly.