Trees will light up church

Throughout Smarden, people are busy crafting items to decorate their group, business or family Christmas tree for the village’s pine festival at St Michael’s Church on December 8, 9 and 10.

Thirty four 34 trees will be exhibited this year and organisers say they will range from the beautiful and tasteful, to the weird, whacky and whimsical.

Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite and on Sunday evening, after the Carol service, the top three trees will be announced with the winner getting a prize.

The event also includes a programme of musical interludes, with local musicians and school choirs performing throughout the weekend.

The schedule is on the Smarden Christmas Tree Facebook page. At 6.15pm on Saturday, the City Singers from London will present a selection of family friendly music.

There will also be a Christmas craft stall selling door wreaths, floral arrangements and small handmade gifts and decorations and a produce stall selling chutneys, jams, cakes and puddings.

There’s also a raffle with a hamper among the prizes, a tombola and homemade refreshments, including mince pies and mulled wine.

The church doors will open each day at 11am, to the peal of bells rung by the Smarden Bellringers, and stay open until 6pm.

Visitors are invited to make a donation towards the work of St Michaels Church.