Actor and writer Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame will be among the guest readers at this year’s Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight on December 6.

Tickets are on sale now and there has already been a lot of interest from people wanting to book following previous sell-out dates.

The event, now a firm favourite in the Dorset Christmas calendar, is well known for lively mix of celebrity readers, music – this year there will be performances by the Funky Little Choir and Lockyer’s Middle School Choir from Corfe Mullen – plus traditional carols

There are usually one or two surprises in store for those attending. Last year, Julia’s House Ambassador and AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and his son popped in to support the event.

The event is held at Wimborne Minster. Doors open at 6.15pm for a 7pm start. Following the candlelit concert guests will be invited to stay on and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for under-12s. They are available online at Juliashouse.org/carols17 or by calling the fundraising office on 01202 644220.

Carols by Candlelight will be raising funds to support families with life-limited children across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Julia’s House, which this year opened a children’s hospice in Wiltshire, is also hosting a second Carols by Candlelight at St John’s Church, Devizes, the previous night (Tues 5th). For further information about the Wiltshire concert please call 01380 562525.

Julia’s House is a charity dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions living in Dorset and Wiltshire. The majority of these children are unlikely to live into adulthood.

It provides frequent respite and end-of-life care in its hospices in Corfe Mullen and Devizes and in families’ own homes across the two counties.

As well as caring for children, it also supports parents and siblings. Julia’s House looks after the whole family, not just the sick child.

Julia’s House receives just 6 per cent of its total annual funding from the government, making it one of the worst-funded hospices in the UK. The charity relies on public fundraising and donations for 94 per cent of its income.

The service that Julia’s House provides has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. For more information visit www.juliashouse.org