Residents sample sixteenth spectacle of tree festival

10 December 2024 Connor Steel

HUNDREDS OF LOCAL residents were able to get into the Christmas Spirit this weekend as they sampled the delights of Alverstoke Christmas Tree Festival; which returned for the sixteenth edition over a four day spectacle and featured a total of approximately seventy-five creations designed by organisations / groups against the backdrop of a festive choir.

This occasion began last Thursday evening (December 5) as invited guests attended the lighting of the trees; which all lined up around St Mary’s Church on Green Lane. The public were then permitted entry during certain timeframes from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening with residents taking their opportunity to examine the range of brilliant creations.

Tree designs were featured from a range of schools, organisations, groups and businesses across this town with many highlights; including one from Fenwicks Estate Agents and a feather-based design for care home residents. There was furthermore a chance for people to offer thoughts and a prayer for others by writing on paper before attaching to a tree.

Residents were allowed to walk around the church at their own leisure and many also stopped to speak with volunteers on site; who were approachable and helped to make the event a huge success. A majority of them took photographs of their favourite designs with families, friends and couples all coming together to enjoy a calm Winter festive atmosphere.

This was amplified by the sounds of performers, choirs and singers who showcased their talents through the four days; each song being clapped by crowds who chose to sit down / stand to watch. A variety of traditional church hymns were sung alongside favourites such as We wish you a Merry Christmas; thus enjoying that each visitor could join in singing.

Credit needs to be paid to all organisers as they ensured their popular Christmas occasion did go ahead safely despite concerns over the weather; this weekend seeing dangerous winds and showers as a result of Storm Darragh. All funds are due to be used to support funding for ‘Alverstoke Parish Church’, with the counting currently ongoing for this event.

Readers are urged to find out more about the 2024 Christmas Tree Festival and all future services at St Mary’s Church by clicking the link of www.stmarysalverstoke.org.uk. Details may also be found on their Facebook page available here.

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