Tree festival boost to Samaritans
DRUMCLIFFE Parish Church recently hosted a Christmas Tree and Craft Festival between the 8th & 11th of December in aid of both church funds and the local Samaritan’s office.
The festival which attracted visitor numbers just shy of 6,000 from both Sligo and neighbouring counties realised over € 5,540 for the two beneficiaries.
The festival saw over 66 individual exhibits and Christmas Trees displayed over four days in Drumcliffe Church, with visitors describing the displays as both “Breathtakingly Brilliant” and “Inspiring”.
Archdeacon Isaac Hanna, Rector of Drumcliffe Church described the event as “a tremendous success and a unique opportunity for visitors to take time out of their busy lives to reflect upon the meaning Christmas in the magnificent surroundings of Drumcliffe Church.”
The festival which is in its first year on the Drumcliffe site, having been previously hosted in Lissadell Parish Church is going from strength to strength.
Event Organiser Peter Langan echoed the views of Archdeacon Hanna: “The Drumcliffe Christmas Festival exceeded our greatest expectations; it was wonderful to see the joy in people faces as they explored the church.”
The festival cumulated with a closing carol service, which saw Drumcliffe Church filled to capacity. The service contained a mix of bible readings, poetry, storytelling, local musical groups and congregational carols, which was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful festival.
The organisers would like to thank each of our sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible. Likewise they would like to thank all those who volunteered and decorated Christmas Trees in such great numbers which ensured a magnificent display.
Drumcliffe Parish Church hopes to repeat this event in 2017 and is looking forward to working with groups and individuals to build upon the success of this year’s festival, so start planning your tree today! For more information, to reserve a tree space or to keep in touch with Drumcliffe Church they can be followed twitter @ DrumcliffeCOI.