William Alder is launching London's first ever live-events advent calendar in Wimbledon on the 1st December. Entitled 'Bobblehat', the 24-day long, free festival (yes, that's right. FREE!) is bursting with exciting events from West End and TV stars including Sky One's 'Got to Dance' winner Lukas MacFarlane, Olivier-award winners Extempore Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe favourites comedy sketch duo 'Goodbear' and Louise Alder, Cardiff Singer Of The World Audience Prize Winner, to name a few. Each day a door will open somewhere across Wimbledon town, unveiling a magical experience for the audiences on a first come first served basis.
Visit Father Christmas
Gathering 24 different venues and securing well-known acts for a huge Christmas festival suggests Artitic Director Will probably knows a thing or two about maximising your festive period experience, so Female First asked his thoughts on how to make the most of the run of up Christmas Day.
Here goes....
An Advent Calendar is really the perfect way to count down to Christmas in true style! That little treat of the unknown to be discovered behind each door you open. Down in Wimbledon, we're taking it that one step further - a LIVE advent calendar. A new Christmassy treat every single day, with an exciting mystery event to discover behind each door that opens - and all for free!
Mulled wine and a mince pie. Christmas has got to start with that, right? There’s nothing better than snuggling up under your best bobble hat and a thick winter coat, enjoying a lovely hot drink and a mince pie whilst you enjoy all the wonderful things taking place around London at Christmas. We’re making sure we’ve got festive wrapped up, and making sure you can enjoy a festive tipple with as many of our events as possible!
Visit Father Christmas. You’ve got to see the big man in red himself! Well you’re not going to be disappointed with this one - he’s popping up twice over the course of our festival, both times in very unexpected places! And there’s definitely time to get in last minute requests.
Carol Singing. We love singing carols and Christmas, especially when it’s for a good cause! We’ve teamed up with Cancer Research UK and will be singing away on 8th December to raise money for a really great cause.
Getting together with friends. We’re hosting some great events in some of Wimbledon’s top pubs and clubs where you and your mates can come along and really get into the festive spirit. We’ve got stand up comedy, open mic nights, relaxed jazz bands - anything you could want to get that perfect ambience for a good old catch up.
Gingerbread! On 19th December our gingerbread will be in serious need of some decorating - are you able and willing to come to the rescue?
Dressing up. Get your glad rags on and join our dancing twins on 22nd December to learn to Charleston - sequins optional, but definitely encouraged.
Theatre. We Brits love the theatre at Christmas! And we’re bringing some absolute top festive theatre to London for free! How about the company that brought you Olivier Award winning ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ - they’re with us on 20th December for competitive improv like no other.
Having a good dance, and we sure are up for that! On 3rd December come join our silent disco guided tour as we groove our way through Wimbledon. Alternatively, on 10th December, winner of Sky One’s Got To Dance Lukas McFarlane brings his incredible company Seeds to Wimbledon for a special performance in a very unexpected venue.
Family. It’s great to get everyone together at Christmas and catch up with long lost relatives! With events for the young and the young-at-heart, we’ve really got Christmas wrapped up for everyone this December. Make sure you grab your bobble hat and head to Wimbledon for a Christmas you can’t possibly miss!
Bobblehat runs from the 1st - 24th December across Wimbledon town. Locations vary. For more information on the festival visit wearebobblehat.co.uk or follow on twitter @WeAreBobblehat