Join BBC's Coffee Morning 2026

A simple cup of coffee can make a big difference. This December, BBC local radio stations across the Midlands are once again bringing communities together through their annual Christmas Coffee Morning campaign, and Warm Welcome Spaces are invited to take part!

Following two successful years, the campaign aims to bring people together during the festive season, offering friendly places to meet, enjoy a hot drink and make connections in their local communities.

This year's Christmas Coffee Mornings will take place on Thursday 17 December, with Warm Welcome Spaces across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Coventry and Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire encouraged to get involved.

Why get involved?

The idea behind the campaign is simple: open welcoming spaces across local communities on the same day, giving people somewhere friendly to visit close to home.

For visitors, it could be an opportunity to meet someone new, enjoy a conversation or discover local activities and support they might not have known about.

Taking part is also a chance for your Space to:

• Welcome new visitors and introduce them to what you offer
• Raise awareness of your regular activities and support
• Strengthen connections within your local community
• Help people feel less alone during the festive season
• Benefit from promotion through BBC local radio and partner channels

Most importantly, visitors can discover a place they can return to throughout the year, long after Christmas has passed.

A successful campaign bringing communities together

Last year, more than 50 venues took part across Staffordshire and Cheshire, welcoming over 2,500 people.

The campaign helped connect visitors with local support services, community groups and welcoming spaces, while celebrating the friendship, kindness and community spirit found in local communities.

Taking part couldn't be easier

We're keeping things simple. To take part, all you need to do is:

• Open your Space on Thursday 17 December
• Offer visitors a friendly and welcoming environment
• Provide a tea, coffee or another hot drink

The core campaign runs from 9am to 1pm, but we understand that every Space operates differently. If these times don't work for you, you're welcome to host your coffee morning at a time that suits your Space and community.

Whether you can open for the full morning or just an hour or two, we'd love you to get involved.

You can also add your own festive touches, such as seasonal treats, a shared lunch, quizzes, crafts or information stalls. However, there's no expectation to do more than you're able.

Help spread the word

Participating venues will benefit from coordinated promotion across BBC local radio, online and social media channels.

You'll also receive promotional materials and digital assets to share through your own communications, helping more people discover your Space and encouraging visitors to come along.

Be part of something special this Christmas

Christmas can be a difficult or lonely time for some people. By taking part, your Space can offer something simple but meaningful: a friendly welcome, a warm drink and an opportunity to connect with others.

If your Space is already bringing people together throughout the year, we'd love you to join the Christmas Coffee Morning campaign and help make even more local connections this festive season.

Interested in taking part?

To register your interest, email Matthew.Jackson@bbc.co.uk or Lauren.Marston@bbc.co.uk.

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