HUNDREDS of children with life-threatening conditions celebrated Christmas early so they don't miss out on the festive celebrations due to their illness.

The Christmas in July event, organised by Crowthorne based Sebastian's Action Trust saw 700 families turn up at Ascot Racecourse on July 14.

The yearly summer event brings the festive period forward so that children and families can remember a Christmas together.

Jane Gates, OBE at Sebastian's Action Trust, said: "The atmosphere was absolutely incredible.

"There was so much for them to do and so much going on - there was something for all the family and I would like to give a huge thank you to Ascot Racecourse for enabling us to have this year's party at their venue.

"We are so grateful for their support to our cause and for helping to male sure that so many families have such a great time, creating memories they will always treasure."

This years theme was 'My First Festival' and children got to enjoy live entertainment from Olly Murs, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift tribute acts as well as local singer, Charlotte Perry.

Children got to ride on donkeys, play on fairground rides, get creative with arts and crafts and have their face painted.

The inspiration behind Christmas in July came from the Trust's founder, Sebastian Gates who sadly lost his battle against cancer on Christmas Eve 2003.

Sebastian's mum Jane Gates added: “Christmas is a time of celebration and without Sebastian it will never be the same again.

"Sebastian loved Christmas and we know he would have loved the idea of celebrating Christmas in July, so we wanted to give other families the opportunity to join with us and make memories to last a life-time, even if that life is to be cut cruelly short.”

The staff at the charity, along with 50 dedicated volunteers spent their day ensuring the families had a good time making memories to last a lifetime.