ACTORS will descend on Oxford again this year to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas.

The annual musical evening – in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign – takes place on Wednesday, December 16, and is supported by the Oxford Mail’s sister paper, The Oxford Times.

This year the event has moved from the Sheldonian Theatre to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in High Street, with actress and producer Karen Lewis confirmed as the first guest.

The announcement will be followed by others over the coming weeks.

Last year, stars including Harry Enfield, Dominic West, Adrian Scarborough and Tobias Menzies read festive poems and other works.

Ms Lewis said: “By joining us, having fun and getting into the Christmas spirit, visitors will be making sure Muscular Dystrophy UK can be there for the thousands of families for whom its support will be vital over the year ahead.

“People can join me for a special evening to remember, set to get everyone feeling festive, with favourite carols and readings in a most spectacular venue.”

The actress is known for her roles in Grange Hill, Casualty, Judge John Deed and The Enfield Haunting and her appearances in films such as Plentyand Shadowlands.

With her husband Michael Attenborough, she is a long-term supporter of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Danielle Case, the charity’s development manager, added: “Karen is working hard to make sure our concert-goers enjoy the best Spirit of Christmas evening to date, with lots of great surprises in store.

“We are delighted and hugely grateful to have her support.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK supports the 70,000 people living with more than 60 muscle-wasting conditions in the UK. They cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasingly severe disability. Some affect the heart and muscles vital for breathing, cutting lives short.

The Attenborough family has been at the heart of the charity’s work for 50 years and Lord Richard Attenborough – who died in 2014 – was its president for three decades. A moving tribute was made to him by organisers during last year’s event.

This year the doors will open at 7pm, with the concert beginning at 7.30pm.

Tickets have now gone on sale and prices start from £15, with a £60 ‘gold’ ticket including entry to a post-concert reception – with the chance to rub shoulders with the performers.

* For more details, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/events/oxford-spirit-of-christmas, or email events@musculardystrophyuk.org