As we all look forward to Christmas, you can be sure to get into the festive spirit early with the annual St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival, returning on Friday 2nd December.
The festival is being organised by Sharron Wormald and Sue Tierney, and will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church from Friday 2nd December until Sunday 11th December. A number of local businesses, organisations, churches and schools are to take part, decorating their own trees in very unique and individual ways! The trees will then be dotted around the church for visitors to enjoy.
Launching on Friday 2nd December with an official opening by Mayor Leighton Penhale, the evening will get everyone in the Christmas spirit, with the chance to enjoy a mince pie while listening to the beautiful sound of the church choir singing traditional carols.
The Christmas tree festival helps to maintain the Grade I listed church building throughout the year. Last year’s festival raised £3,000, so it is hoped 2022’s event will be able to match this, or raise even more!
Sharron and Sue are looking forward to welcoming people into the church this December and boosting the community spirit. Sharron said: “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it. We love to see people coming together, particularly after such a hard couple of years for everyone. I really feel the festival brings a bit of positivity to the community.”
The festival relies on the group of volunteers from the church to run it, so this year the team would love to hear from anyone who would like to help in some capacity, from stewarding the event or donating raffle prizes, to baking a cake for visitors to enjoy.
There are two extra services for the community to attend. The church choir will be leading an Advent Carol Service on Sunday 4th December at 5.30pm, and there will also be a special Christingle service on Sunday 11th December at 4pm.