What's On Locally ...

Funhouse Comedy brings a Christmas Special night of laughter to Southwell Rugby Club, on Wednesday 8th December. Topping the bill is the somewhat cynical and gloomy Mike Gunn, who despite this has the ability to get the crowd on his side, however far he pushes! In his first Edinburgh Festival Show, he appeared as a funeral director! He has appeared on numerous TV programmes, including Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), Celebrity Deal or no Deal (CH 4), and Harry Hill’s TV Burp (ITV). He has also been a contributor for The Guardian and written for Time Out, The List and Match of the Day Magazine and was support for Lee Mack on a huge theatre tour. Opening the night will be the incredible Scott Bennett, who has just recorded his debut performance for 'Live at The Apollo' and is widely tipped in the industry as on the brink of the big time; runner up in 2014 English Comedian Of The Year competition, Best Show Nominee Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 and support for both Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon. This loveable rising star enthrals the crowd with his warm and engaging delivery, he is a Yorkshire live wire with an undeniable no nonsense logic, who has been busy entertaining people through the lockdown, with his ‘Stand Up From The Shed’ online show. Also appearing is finalist in the 2018 English Comedian Of The Year competition and ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ Finalist 2013, the dead pan Tom Taylor. His unique brand of musical comedy is smart and silly in equal measure and he boasts an impressive stock of quirky, and very funny, musical one-liners. The lively and amiable Spiky Mike will be host and compere for the night. Tickets are £13.00 in advance and it’s 7.15pm doors and 8.00pm for the show start. Info and tickets from the website: www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

Beaumond House is delighted to announce the return of its Light up a Life services for 2021. The 2020 services were replaced with a virtual service due to Covid restrictions. The services will be held at Southwell Minster on Thursday 9th December and St Mary’s Magdalene Church, Newark on Thursday 16th December. The hospice is thrilled to also be holding a service in Collingham at All Saints’ Church on Monday 6th December; the first Light up a Life service to be held in Collingham. As a special addition to the Light Up a Life appeal this year, supporters will have the opportunity to purchase beautiful blue glass Forget-me-not Hearts to make Beaumond House a part of their Christmas. The hearts can be hung on Christmas trees as a small but significant way to remember loved ones and to ensure Beaumond House is in your heart in your home at Christmas time. These will be sold for £6.00. For further details please email at fundraising@beaumondhouse.co.uk or call Beaumond House on 01636 610556. The hospice looks forward to seeing you all in person to reflect and remember. Further details regarding donating to the appeal in memory of a loved one will be available shortly. The Beaumond House Christmas cards are now available to purchase in the hospice charity shops in Newark, Collingham and Southwell, which include two Light up a Life designs.

Southwell Theatre Group will return with its first live performance since the pandemic with Dicken’s Christmas Voices. Almost all Charles Dickens ‘novels have a Christmas episode, so there was a wealth of material to choose for our readings and they have selected some old favourites and some lesser known more unusual stories to tell. Charles Dickens is synonymous with Christmas and his vivid descriptions bring alive the joys and values of Christmas. Join them for Dickens’ Christmas Voices at Southwell Library, Friday 10th December and Saturday 11th December at 7.30pm. Tickets £9.00 to include a glass of mulled wine, or soft drink and a mince pie at the interval. Tickets available from Southwell Library or southwelltheatreclub@gmail.com

Southwell and District Lions has announced the return of its popular Carols for Everyone on Saturday 11th December. The concert, at Southwell Minster, all being well, will include the usual favourites with plenty of Christmas spirit: seasonal music, carols, and some light entertainment. https://www.southwell-lions.org/

Artisan food and crafts 10.00am - 1.00pm

A beautiful evening of carols with Southwell and District Lions Club

Pop in and meet Rudolph and Blizten before they set off on their travels this Christmas. Whilst the Reindeer fill their tummies ahead of a long journey, it's a chance for the children to meet the Reindeer, take a snap in Santa’s secret sleigh and enjoy a hot drink. Take home a bag of magic reindeer dust, to keep the hungry reindeer stocked up on their flight. Drink choices include - a luxury hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, coffee, tea or a babyccino. We also have a hog roast on site supplied by the famous Bofs Hogs and hot mulled cider and wine. Taking place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December, 11am to 3pm both days. Book online at www.hardysfarndon.co.uk

Fun for all the family 3.30pm - 9.30pm

Candlelit concert with harp accompaniment.

Presented by Southwell Minster choir Association

Seasonal words and music

Southwell Music Festival returns this December for a one-night only Christmas Celebration in the exquisite surroundings of Southwell Minster. Gather with family and friends on Monday 20th December for an evening of seasonal words and choral music performed by Southwell Festival Voices, conducted by Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth with readings from stage and screen actor Philip Franks. The Festival team can also reveal that the programme is set to include Benjamin Britten’s ever-popular A Ceremony of Carols to be performed with harp accompaniment. Tickets are priced from £12 – book online at southwellmusicfestival.com/onlinebooking or call the Box Office on 01636 330014.