Families had a festive celebration, complete with live music, dancing and Father Christmas visit in Ipswich.
The event was organised by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) for the families it supports at The Treehouse in Suffolk's county town.
Ten families attended the band practice session, enjoying a singalong to Christmas songs such as 'Jingle Bells', 'Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree', and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'.
The session, held on Thursday last week, also featured readings from famous films, plenty of food and Father Christmas read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Two-year-old Bumble Owens, who has septo-optic dysplasia and Moebius syndrome, attended with her parents, Louise and James.
Mrs Owens said: "What a wonderful, special and magical evening.
"We loved it. Bumble has both visual and hearing impairment, but she absolutely loves music.
"Her eyes light up and she loves touching and playing with instruments."
The Owens family are relatively new to the hospice but have found it an "enormous source of support".
Mrs Owens added: "It’s such a clean, safe and welcoming environment, and Bumble loves interacting with other children here.
"In that respect, she’s come on leaps and bounds."
Children got to take part in a festive band practice session (Image: EACH) She added that the hospice is also a special place for parents.
She said: "Having such incredible support takes the load off mentally, and a fun event like this makes you realise that far from doom and gloom, it’s a place to celebrate life and create memories."
The event, organised by EACH music therapist Ray Travasso, alongside colleagues Kelly Evans and Hailey Allen, also featured carols such as Silent Night, Once in Royal David’s City, and a solo performance by 12-year-old Ruby Streatfield.
Mr Travasso said: "One of the film quotes we heard during the evening was ‘love is all around’, and this event was a great example of that."
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