COLCHESTER has come together to launch a virtual community Christmas calendar to spread festive cheer across the town.

Charity Community360 has partnered with a host of organisations across the town to launch From the Community with Love this Festive Season.

From Tuesday through to Christmas the calendar will showcase a different a activity or event each day.

Featuring contributions from dance schools, theatre groups, school and nursery nativity plays and singing groups, there is something for everyone to enjoy this festive season.

The town's Mercury Theatre will be screening Cinderella and The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds will be sharing their pantomime Peter Pan for audiences.

The calendar will finish on Christmas day with live broadcast of the St Helena Hospice Christmas service.

Tracy Rudling, CEO of Community 360, said: "It’s a fun, engaging, and inspiring way for everyone in the area to celebrate together.

"Everyone has worked so hard to bring this all together in a very short space of time.

"Although the impetus and overarching aim behind the calendar is to develop and deliver a programme of actions and activities to help combat loneliness and isolation, its’ intention is to also improve mental and physical wellbeing and to keep people active and engaged too.”

She added: “The calendar will showcase some of the wonderful businesses and organisations we have in the town and it will hopefully bring some festive cheer to people. Above all, we want to have fun.”

Most of the events have been pre-recorded, but some are live, such as the online neighbourhood cafe, scheduled for each Wednesday, and the Boaz Project's Christmas Party on December 20.

Thanks to a bid for funding to Sport England Colchester’s care homes have received the equipment to start a boccia league, with matches set to be played out live across the month before the final of Christmas Eve.

Mike Lilly, Colchester Council's communities, wellbeing and public safety boss said: “It will bring festive cheer to many people across the borough this Christmas, including those who are more isolated.

“We are pleased to be involved in this excellent partnership project and we hope that people will share and enjoy these brilliant activities which showcase the work of talented individuals across Colchester.”

Click here to view the calendar.