THE stars are coming out for an online concert to welcome in the festive season.

Actress Debra Stephenson will co-host Julia’s House Christmas Cracker event alongside the children's hospice CEO Martin Edwards

Taking place this Wednesday, December 2, the event is a big night in for all the family to enjoy, featuring live music, Christmas readings and lots of fun.

Special guests include Guy Henry (Casualty) and Julia’s House patrons Chris Jarvis (CBeebies), actor Nigel Havers, best-selling author John le Carré and James McVey of pop band The Vamps, who will be leading a festive singalong. There’ll also be a chance to meet some of the children and families that Julia’s House supports across Dorset and Wiltshire, hear their inspiring and moving stories and make your own life-changing difference by donating live.

Throughout the pandemic the charity has been on hand to help the exhausted parents of children with life-limiting conditions take a break from 24/7 care, enabling them to feel less fearful, lonely and isolated. The care provided is changing every day with visits taking place in families’ homes as well as video play sessions and story-time, as Julia’s House adapts to the needs of families in line with government guidelines. By helping these children to stay safe and well at home, the charity is reducing the burden on the NHS as the winter months approach.

This year the charity was forced to cancel many of its major fundraising events and close its chain of high street shops.

The Julia’s House Christmas Cracker takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday on the charity’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/JuliasHouseChildrensHospice