Celeb surprise guests for town's annual Christmas concert

Stars from the music industry are preparing to return to the stage in Somerset for a special Christmas charity concert.

Husband and wife team Dominic and Heidi Greensmith have been putting the final touches to their ‘A Merry Little Christmas’ festive concert at Bo Lee and Workmen in Bruton on December 7.

The line-up for the glitzy festive concert, which will see Dominic perform alongside Reef guitarist and well-known singer songwriter Amy Newton, is a closely guarded secret.

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But in the past the event has included performances from artists including songstress Gabriella Aplin and Danny Goffey, the drummer from Britpop group Supergrass.

The concert is the brainchild of film maker Heidi and composer husband Dominic, the former drummer for the rock band Reef.

The couple now live in Bruton with their 5 children and, alongside their busy careers, have organised the concert for the last 4 years.

Heidi said: “In Bruton we are surrounded by these talented people from the film, TV and music industry so we thought we’d bring them all together for a special concert.

“The performers who take part are world class musicians who have played and written for artists such as Beverley Knight and Rihanna.

“We have special guests lined up to appear every year, but we like to keep what the line-up will be as a surprise for everyone on the night.”

Each artist will perform their own version of a classic Christmas song, with a new theme for this year’s concert being Christmas Number Ones.

The concert is being compered by journalist and TV presenter Mariella Frostrup, a personal friend of Heidi and Dominic’s.

“The concert is a fabulous festive event that people look forward to, but it also raises money for two fantastic charities,” said Heidi.

All the money raised from this year’s concert will go to Children’s Hospice South West and Mane Chance Sanctuary which rescues and rehabilitates abused, abandoned and horses, integrating them with the local community.

Heidi was introduced to CHSW’s Charlton Farm by a friend who worked there.

“I was blown away by the work of the charity the moment I walked into the hospice,” said Heidi.

“There is nowhere like it on earth. It is somewhere very special, a place full of light and love.”

CHSW Area Fundraiser Kylie Gallagher said: "We are honoured once again to be the continued local charity benefitting from this very special Christmas event in Bruton.

“Having had the privilege of taking Heidi and Dominic on a personal tour with one of our Charlton Farm mums earlier this year, it's obvious how important the work we do is to both of them.

"We are so grateful for all their hard work with organising this fantastic event, now a firm staple in our Christmas calendar. Time to brush off a nice outfit!"

A Merry Little Christmas runs from 7.30pm-10.30pm.

Tickets costing £25 plus a booking fee are available at A Merry Little Christmas in aid of Children’s Hospice South West and Mane Chance Sanctuary Tickets, Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 19:30 | Eventbrite.