It’s been an annual Christmas tradition at Knox United Church for almost 10 years now and while the Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol reading will return this year, it will be presented as an afternoon matinee rather than an evening event.
The classic Christmas reading will make for a fun festive afternoon on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and Reverend Foster Freed said hopefully the new time slot will make it more convenient for members of the community to attend.
He said this year they thought it would also be fun to have local actors take to their stage so they have called on some Bard to Broadway performers for the event. The readers from the B2B Theatre group include Rob Atkinson, Gary Brown, Bethany Freed, Donna Wilkens and Rosalee Sullivan.
“These actors are used to being on stage so we are expecting some very good reading,” Freed said.
As well, music will be provided by B2Glee under the direction of Hilary Whelton and Donna Wilkins.
A Victorian tea will be served as well as some other scrumptious treats with all the proceeds going to Pass Woodwinds Alternate School.
Freed said the tea will be served by Pass Woodwinds students who will also be doing the baking.
“They have a great baking program at the school and you can taste it in their baked goods,” admitted Freed.
In previous years this event was sponsored by the CBC until budget cutbacks ended that tradition.
Freed said the event is now a community effort, with strong support from Knox United Church.
Tickets are $10 or $5 for under 12 and are available at Knox, the Shoe Inn in Qualicum Beach, Fireside Books in Parksville or at the door. All proceeds go to Pass/Woodwinds School.
