Where: St Mark Church, Church Road, Cheltenham, GL51 7AL

When: Wednesday, December 4, 6.30pm

A celebratory Christmas carol concert will take place on Wednesday (December 4) at St. Mark Church, Cheltenham, to remember and reflect on the things that matter most at this poignant time of year.

Locals from across the county are invited to gather their friends and family for an evening of classic Christmas carols, heartfelt talks and festive readings where guests will be guided to the church by a beautiful lantern-lit walkway and greeted by the bells of St Mark Church.

The concert, organised by childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish, will focus on raising vital funds and awareness of their work with grieving children.

Throughout the night, guests will hear readings delivered by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, as well as enjoy a full programme of memorable musical performances by Cheltenham Community Choir.

Homemade shortcrust pastry mince pies accompanied by a glass of spiced mulled wine (or for those driving, warm locally pressed apple juice and cinnamon) are included in the ticket price and will be served up by local artisan coffee house, The Find.

Founder David Orme said: "It is a pleasure to be part of this special event - Winston's Wish is such an amazing charity, as our family knows from personal experience, and I am so pleased that we can just give a little something back."

Guests who would like to remember a loved one will have the opportunity to personalise a star to put on the Winston's Wish Christmas tree. Those unable to attend the concert can request for a star to be personalised and placed on the tree on their behalf.

Space in the church is limited and so it is advised to book tickets in advance, at the early bird price of £10 for adults and £5 for children. Limited tickets will be available on the door priced at £12 for adults and £7 for children.

All proceeds from the evening will help to support grieving children and their families across the UK.

Paul Moore, head of community and corporate engagement, added: "We're delighted to be hosting our first Carols by Candlelight service this year. The event is the perfect opportunity for the community to come together at this special time of year to stop, reflect and remember, while helping us to give hope to grieving children across the country.

"We've been overwhelmed by the support the event has received already and look forward to welcoming our guests to St Mark on 4th December."

Advance tickets can be bought at https://events.winstonswish.org/event/carols-by-candlelight/  For more information about the stars appeal, go to https://www.winstonswish.org/wish-upon-a-star/