Norwich Open Christmas 2022 set to welcome record numbers

For the past 30 years, Norwich Open Christmas has welcomed tens of thousands of guests.

The yearly event at St Andrew's Hall sees an army of volunteers give up part of their Christmas Day to ensure those desperately in need of festive cheer have a proper meal and some friendly faces to socialise with.

Norwich Open Christmas (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The charity's chairman, Bill Ashton, said: “The last few years we had about 550, this year we’re catering for 700. 

“Anybody who is homeless, alone or lonely is welcome."

With the pandemic followed by the UK's economic problems and the cost of living crisis, including rocketing energy bills, charitable support remains a crucial part of Christmas for some.

“Everything has been difficult," continued 77-year-old Mr Ashton, who has been involved for almost 15 years. 

"It’s our first year back in St Andrew's Hall as the last two years have had to be outside. 

“With the cost of living crisis and difficult circumstances, there are just unfortunately a lot of people in not very good places."

Norwich Open Christmas volunteers, from left, Reginald Reader, Keith Aggersberg, Tricia Wood, and Jessica Bennett, packing bags of food for the homeless (Image: Denise Bradley)

Doors will be open between 11am and 5pm, with anybody who wants support welcome to attend and no booking needed, to enjoy a full Christmas dinner.

The long-established event depends on its volunteers and has again received huge support.

“We have 250 volunteers and that includes people who do volunteer to help people on the day and drivers, as people who need a lift we will help them get in and back home after," Mr Ashton added. 

“It’s a mix of the old and the new which is good because we have experience and new people. 

“It’s a little bit embarrassing for us but we actually have to close the volunteer list because we have such a large number!"

Volunteers, from left, Sam Scott, Vanessa Trevelyan, Barbara Patterson and Lucy Belderbos, packing food for the homeless as they prepare for Norwich Open Christmas (Image: Denise Bradley)

It's not too late for people to support the event though.

“The only help that we get from central and local government is a grant from the city council for half the cost of the hire of the hall," concluded Mr Ashton, who lives in Brundall.

“The rest is totally dependent on public donations, corporate or personal, and people are so generous. 

Volunteer Baz Sweetman sorting food to be packed into bags for the homeless, ready for Norwich Open Christmas (Image: Denise Bradley)

“But because of the cost of living crisis and so on, donations have been lower than previous years. 

“We do provide a gift as well and they get the chance to select some clothing, so if anyone has clothing that they would like to donate, they are welcome to bring it down to St Andrew's Hall on Christmas Eve." 

Volunteers Filipada Rocha, front left, with Debbie Hill, and the other volunteers packing the bags of food for the homeless as they prepare for Open Christmas at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

There is still time to help 

Only volunteers who have registered to assist with Norwich Open Christmas 2022 can attend on Christmas Day. 

But registered volunteers are still being accepted for clearing day. 

Everything which was laid out, put up or brought to St Andrew's Hall for Norwich Open Christmas needs to be put back to its original state.  

Any food or clothing left over is distributed to other organisations which continue to support guests throughout the year.

Clearing day will be taking place at St Andrew's Hall on Thursday, December 29 from 9am to midday. 

Visit norwichopenchristmas.org.uk for more details or to make a donation.