THE Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints’ Church, Westbury, was an enormous success with nearly 1,000 people enjoying over 40 trees decorated by local community organisations and businesses.
Over £2,000 was raised to support church funds. The Christmas Tree Festival took place despite Storm Arwen, which resulted in the postponement of the Westbury Christmas Lights Switch On event.
The festival was opened on Friday 26th November by the deputy mayor of Westbury, cllr Ward Jones. On the Saturday, visitors were welcomed by John Knapp’s Belgium fairground organ playing Christmas favourites and enjoyed festive refreshments.
As ever, competition for the favourite tree vote was fierce, with Westbury Youth Club’s SpongeBob SquarePants-themed tree a clear winner, followed by the 1st Westbury Scout Group and the Rainbow Play School, with just one vote between them.
Churchwarden Beth Thomas said, “An event like this doesn’t happen without a great deal of support from the community. The festival committee would like to thank Fine Signs of Westbury for their support, the Christmas in Westbury team, Rotary Club for their volunteers and the members of the church who welcomed visitors over the course of weekend. Of course, it wouldn’t be such a success without those who sponsored a tree and who came along to enjoy the event.”
Revd Rebecca Harris said, “This was my first Christmas Tree Festival and I was extremely impressed with the range of groups and businesses that took part and the quality of the decorations. It was great to see so many people enjoying our beautiful church.”
See their website www.whtministry.org.uk for information about Christmas services this year.
