CBS Arena to host event for hundreds of people who may be alone or isolated this Christmas

A major Coventry venue is set to give more than 200 people who may be alone, vulnerable or isolated this Christmas a festive experience to remember.

Coventry Building Society Arena will be one of eight venues across the UK hosting ‘One Day at Christmas’ on Friday, December 6.

The charity event, originally launched by Mash Media in 2017, sees the country’s events industry come together to create a Christmas day experience for people who are alone or isolated.

It is the first year that the event has been held at the Coventry venue. The event is being supported by BtoB Events, a global exhibition and trade events company, and Coventry Building Society.

People invited to the event will already have been engaged in a range of programmes ran by community organisations across the city and surrounding areas, including Coventry Building Society’s friendship groups, Sky Blues in the Community, Saheli Group and Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire.

Guests will enjoy a full Christmas meal, live entertainment, dancing and games to recreate the Christmas day experience.

Charlie Healy, who reached the finals of X Factor in 2011, will be performing on the evening and businesses from across Coventry and Warwickshire are being asked to offer prizes for games on the day.

Raymond Constable, 75, from Ryton-on-Dunsmore, will be one of the guests attending the event and regularly attends the social groups organised by Coventry Building Society.

He was married for 46 years, but in 2016 his wife Christine died from cancer. Raymond’s daughter encouraged him to join the group and he has since grown new friendships.

Retired forklift driver Raymond said: “I lost my wife and I was at home, alone, down and isolated.

“I needed something as I felt like I had nothing left in my life, but now I have. From going to a meet and greet, it has snowballed into a group of new friends and a social life I never had before.

“I’m always excited for Christmas. It is always a special time. I can’t wait for the event. It is something to look forward to and I’m sure it will be lovely.

“Events like this really are important for people who are in similar positions to me. It’s a chance to get together and have a celebration.”

Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “It’s our absolute pleasure to be supporting One Day at Christmas this year and hosting what should be a wonderful day for everyone in attendance.

“Christmas is a special time, but it can also be a difficult time for many people. We hope that this event can make a difference to everyone who comes along and we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with them on the day.”

One Day at Christmas will be held simultaneously across eight UK venues.

Jamie Hill, representing One Day at Christmas and managing director of BtoB Events, said: “I am particularly proud to be of this wonderful event, and as a proud Coventry man myself it means so much to be able to provide a wonderful Christmas Day experience to those in our local community who need it the most. I am really grateful to Paul Michael and his team at the Coventry Building Society Arena, for being so generous and allowing us to host the event with them. It is going to be fantastic!”

Emma Brodie, Senior Community Specialist at Coventry Building Society, added: “Christmas is such a special time of year but for many people it underlines how lonely and isolated they are.

“The ‘One Day At Christmas’ event is a wonderful way to bring people together from across the city to bring them a bit of festive cheer and hopefully help forge some lasting friendships.

“We help run tea and talks and befriending events throughout the year and we see first-hand the difference that is made when people get an opportunity to make new friends.”

Find out more about One Day at Christmas by visiting www.onedayatchristmas.com

Businesses or individuals interested in donating or supporting the event at Coventry Building Society Arena should contact Jamie Hill on jamie.hill@btob-events.com or visit https://www.onedayatchristmas.com/make-donation.