Tree festival
Festive event this weekend -
THE baubles and tinsel are coming out for an annual event at a town church.
St Mary’s Church is hosting its 8th edition of the annual Christmas Tree Festival, sponsored by DPD.
More than 70 trees will fill the church including the church’s own tree which was donated by New Farm Christmas Trees.
Reverend Angela Tarry, curate at St Mary’s, said: “We’re really excited to be filling our church with lots of trees for everyone in our community to come and enjoy.
“The Christmas Tree Festival marks the beginning of our preparations for Christmas.
“As we remember the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, it’s fantastic to be surrounded by the lights on so many of the trees reminding us of His light.
“We can’t guarantee snow for a festive feel, but we can offer everyone a warm welcome, tinsel, fairy lights and lots of different activities over the weekend.”
Visitors can view all the trees and vote for their favourite while youngsters enjoy the children’s trail.
There are still spaces left if your group would like to put up a tree.
Rev Tarry said: “Every year we have a mixture of trees made by children and adults, and creatives and traditionalists, and all of them are beautiful because of the time and love that goes into them.
“How you decorate your tree is up to you, and there will be an opportunity to vote for your favourites.
“It’s great when someone new comes and gets involved for the first time, so if you haven’t decorated a tree before do get in touch with our church office.”
Festivities begin with a preview evening on November 29 from 6.30pm to 8pm with the switch-on at 7pm, with Jan Kirby, mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, pulling the lever.
St Mary’s choirs and church band will provide music with a raffle going on and refreshments available at the licensed bar.
The church will be open for the event on November 30, December 1 and December 3 from 10am to 4pm, and on December 2 from noon to 4pm.
A Messy Christingle Service is taking place at the church on December 2 at 10.15am to mark the start of Advent where you can make your own Christingle to take home with you.
The Fairtrade coffee bar and shop will be open with second hand books to browse and raffle tickets to buy.
To book a tree, call the office on Hinckley 234241, email office@stmaryshinckley.co.uk or pick up a form in the church.
Events will be going on during the weekend including Hinckley and District Past and Present memories of Hinckley, a community concert, rock choir, Tai Chi and a Children’s Christmas tea party.
Look out for details in the festival magazine provided by Roundabout Hinckley, posters around the church and on the St Mary’s with St Francis, Hinckley Facebook page.
Entry to the festival is free although the church asks for a donation of £2 to view the trees, which will go towards the outreach work of the church.
Tickets for the events can be booked at the church coffee bar.