A BOROUGH church is planning a festive music event with a difference.
Finchampstead Baptist Church (FBC) decided its carol concert needed something a little extra this year, so lead pastor Chris Simpkins and his planning team came up with an idea that will definitely not be a silent night.
FBC’s Christmas Eve Taskmaster Carols afternoon is based on the television comedy panel game.
And, like Taskmaster, the church’s event will include some silly challenges.
“I’m such a fan of the show,” said Mr Simpkins.
“I love the humour, the fun, and the light heartedness of it.
“It’s entertaining to see a bunch of contestants completing tasks dished out by the Taskmaster.
“All of our tasks will have a Christmas theme, and there are some double tasks, or hidden tasks in there too.
“One will be pre-filmed, and screened on the night.”
For people who may not have seen the Channel 4 television programme, Taskmaster is a British comedy panel game, created by comedians Alex Home and Greg Davies.
Celebrities, usually five comedians, are given a series of ridiculous challenges to complete, for which they are awarded points.
Now in its 16th series, the show sees competitors attempt to carry out silly tasks, while from a Taskmaster Davies awards points from a gilded throne, based on contestants’ performances, rather than their success.
The game has been adapted as a board game, and published as two books.
During the pandemic, people were invited to take part in and to film challenges at home, with Davies awarding points via YouTube to the entries he liked best.
Contestants for FBC’s event have been chosen from the Finchampstead community, and the Taskmaster is already preparing challenges for them.
“He’s tall, and he’s grumpy,” said Mr Simpkins, “and yes, he will be sitting on a throne.
“Our contestants are excited about the challenges ahead, and a little bit nervous, although not as nervous as the Taskmaster says they should be.
“He’ll definitely give them a hard time, and the rest of us can sit back and enjoy laughing at what they get up to.”
The church says its event will be festive fun for all the family, with lights and multimedia, traditional Christmas fare, and music.
“There will be plenty of normal carols to sing,” said Mr Simpkins, “but they will be cunningly linked to the Taskmaster challenges.
“We can fit 500 or more seats in our building, and we’re very excited to share this free event with the community.
“We invite everyone to come and have fun celebrating with us.
“It’s a great way to start Christmas.”
The event will take place at Finchampstead Baptist Church centre, in the main hall, on Sunday, December 24.
Doors open at 3.30pm for mince pies and mulled wine, with carols and challenges from 4pm to 5pm.
For more information, visit: www.fbcnext.com
