THE annual Christmas tree festival is back for its 20th year.
Held at St Thomas's Church, organisers have said: "This year’s Festival promises to be even bigger, and more exciting
"There will be more trees and a record number of musicians providing an unforgettable Christmas experience."
This year the Festival opens on Tuesday, December 3 and runs through to Sunday, December 8.
Tuesday to Saturday doors open at 10am and close at 5.30 pm. Sunday times are 12 noon until 5.30pm. Entry is free.
Last year the Festival was visited by more than 12,000 visitors and raised more than £20,000 for charity.
A spokesperson for the church said: "Every year visitors are amazed and inspired by the stunning creativity and ingenuity presented by the decorated trees and how this heartwarming effort evokes the real meaning of Christmas.
"A vital part of the magic generated by the occasion is due to the continuous festive music programme provided by leading local groups, choirs, soloists, and bands. The Festival is both a visual and aural event celebrating all that is best about Christmas.
"To keep up energy levels there will be seasonal treats and snacks available from our festive catering team."
For twenty years many people, whether residents, local visitors or tourists from further afield, have made visiting the Festival a vital part of their Christmas celebration.
The Festival is a notable start to a wonderful season of Christmas celebrations at St Thomas’s.
On December 14 there are two festive celebrations, firstly a Christmas Music entertainment, ‘Christmas Delights’ at 12.15pm followed at 4pm on the same day by the Children’s Christingle Service. On the December 18 at 1pm we can look forward to the extremely popular, “Carols for Busy People”, with mulled wine and mince pies, and on December 22 at 6pm the traditional ‘St Thomas’s Carols by Candlelight’ early evening service will take place.
This festive period culminates with Midnight Mass on December 24 and the family service at 10.15 am on Christmas Day.
Details of these events are available on www.stthomassalisbury.co.uk
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