One Day at Christmas Returns to Coventry, Expanding to Support More Isolated and Vulnerable People

Agnes Gibbins, 84 and Rita Marks, 68 both from Radford.

More than 300 people who may be alone, vulnerable or isolated this festive period will be given an unforgettable Christmas experience at Coventry Building Society Arena.

Following a hugely successful first year, the venue is set to host One Day at Christmas for a second time in December, with the event expanded to give 100 more guests the chance to enjoy a free Christmas Day at the Arena.

The charity event, originally launched by Mash Media in 2017, will take place across a string of venues in the UK – with Coventry Building Society Arena’s event the first to be hosted, when it takes place on Thursday, December 4.

The event is being supported by BtoB Events, a global exhibition and trade events company, and Coventry Building Society.

Guests have been invited to the event from a range of programmes and groups run by community organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire, including Coventry Building Society’s friendship groups, Sky Blues in the Community, Saheli Group, Grapevine, Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire, Chat Central and The Haven Nursing Home.

Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “Last year’s One Day at Christmas was very special and we are proud to be welcoming even more people through our doors this December.

“This event brings together individuals who may otherwise spend the day alone, and creates a sense of belonging, celebration and community that everyone deserves at Christmas.”

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a full Christmas meal in the Premier Lounge, live entertainment, dancing and games to recreate a Christmas day experience.

It will be hosted by Paul McLaughlin, formerly of Free Radio, with a live performance from X-Factor finalist Charlie Healy and a special appearance from Father Christmas.

Donna Easson, from Tile Hill, attended the event last year with her father Kevin Harvey, 68.

“My dad had been diagnosed with vascular dementia. I was looking after him with my brother. He was becoming isolated, spending a lot of time on his own and not with people of his own age, but then he joined the group ran by Coventry Building Society,” she said.

“From there he was invited to attend One Day at Christmas. It was shortly after he was diagnosed with leukaemia and it was lovely to have that last Christmas with him, as two months after he passed away.

“I’ve still got the photos from the day and his face was lit up. If he was here now, he would waffle on about how much he loved being with his friends. It felt like he belonged somewhere, and we’ll always remember it as for Dad, that Christmas was really special.”

Agnes Gibbins, 84, and Rita Marks, 68, both from Radford, are looking forward to attending this year’s event.

Agnes said: “We had an amazing time last year, enjoying a meal with great company, dancing, having our photo taken with Father Christmas and I even won a prize on the bingo.

“It was lovely to be there as a group, I couldn’t ask for any nicer people to spend Christmas with. It was like one big family.”

Rita added: “I’m a widow, I wasn’t going out or doing much, but then I joined the community group. The event was really good last year, we can’t wait to go along again. If anybody wanted to join us this year, we would make them all welcome.

“I find that if you are lonely at Christmas and you don’t have anyone to be with, it’s a lovely idea to go to this because you get to mix with people and have a proper party.”

The event is being supported by BtoB Events. Kelly Middleton, of BtoB Events, added: “For me, One Day at Christmas is such a special event.

“It brings people together who might otherwise spend the day on their own, and seeing everyone relax, smile and enjoy themselves makes all the hard work worth it. Being part of something that genuinely makes a difference, even for a few hours, is honestly why I love being involved.”

To find out more about One Day at Christmas and support the event visit: https://www.onedayatchristmas.com/make-donation