IT’S not just stars above Bethlehem stables that people will be looking out for this Christmas.

Even though it’s still October, Dragon School pupils are already warming up to share a stage with some famous faces and create the perfect start to the festive season.

They are already hard at work rehearsing for their part in this year’s Spirit of Christmas event, which has previously featured the likes of Dominic West, Tamsin Greig, Bill Paterson, Alison Steadman, Sophie Thompson and Miranda Richardson.

The annual fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (MDC), taking place on Wednesday, December 3, is moving from Christ Church Cathedral to the Sheldonian Theatre in Broad Street.

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Senior MDC events coordinator Zoe Williams said: “We are very excited to be in a new home this year, a magnificent venue with fantastic acoustics.

It is a real tribute to the support the evening receives from the people of Oxford that it continues to grow and grow.

“We pride ourselves on offering a truly atmospheric event, leaving each and every member of the audience in a thoroughly festive mood.

“It’s a great way to start off the countdown to Christmas, while helping the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign raise funds that could change lives for the better.”

It has not yet been revealed which famous names will be taking part.

Dragon School spokeswoman Sarah Harris said: “The Dragon School Choir are delighted to be performing as part of the Spirit of Christmas again this year.

“It is such a wonderful festive event that encapsulates the essence of the Christmas message while raising money for an extremely worthwhile cause.

“The children are always thrilled to lead the congregation in the carols and particularly relish the opportunity to sing descants.

“They have also been working hard on their own repertoire.”

Tickets have now gone on sale for the event, which will feature readings of poems by special guests and a set of classic Christmas songs by the Dragon School Choir.

The school choir has in the past performed for the Prince of Wales, undertaken tours of Tuscany and Belgium and appeared on the BBC’s Songs of Praise.

Last year, the Spirit of Christmas attracted some 550 guests and raised £16,000 for the MDC.

Money from the event goes towards research being carried out at Oxford University by scientists looking for treatments of conditions that weaken and waste muscles over time, sometimes significantly shortening life expectancy.

The MDC supports 70,000 people in the UK with such conditions, with 600 of them living in Oxfordshire.

Ticket prices for the event start at £10. For more information visit musculardystrophy.org or call 020 7803 2856.


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