MORE than 4,000 people visited Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, which took place over four days, from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7.

Buds2Bloms Flowers by Gwyneth tree included handmade decorations. AQ 9800
Buds2Bloms Flowers by Gwyneth tree included handmade decorations. AQ 9800 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The tree decorated by CODS members. AQ 9771
The tree decorated by CODS members. AQ 9771 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Organisers said that there was a steady stream of visitors, 747 on the Thursday, 761 on the Friday, 1,600 on the Saturday and more than 900 on the Sunday.

Visitors were full of praise for the spectacular display of decorated trees.

No-one could fail to have been impressed by the 74 adorned trees, decorated by local nurseries and schools, children’s uniformed groups such as the Scouts, charities and community groups and local businesses.

Some of the members of the catering staff volunteer team in the Boniface Centre. AQ 9900
Some of the members of the catering staff volunteer team in the Boniface Centre. AQ 9900 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Some of the members of Newton St Cyres Art Group in front of their exhibition of works. AQ 9907
Some of the members of Newton St Cyres Art Group in front of their exhibition of works. AQ 9907 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It was just over 20 years ago that two parishioners were on holiday in Norfolk and saw a Christmas Tree Festival being advertised.

They brought the idea back and it was embraced as another way to raise much needed funds for the repair and maintenance of the parish church.

The Holy Cross Junior Choristers tree featured angels made by the choristers. AQ 9599
The Holy Cross Junior Choristers tree featured angels made by the choristers. AQ 9599 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Home Group at The Nest made handmade starfish and jellyfish and wrote a poem for their environment themed message on their tree. AQ 9774
The Home Group at The Nest made handmade starfish and jellyfish and wrote a poem for their environment themed message on their tree. AQ 9774 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

JMAerobatics members made some of the decorations for their tree, decorated by dancer and helper Megan, left and Caitlin, teacher, right. AQ 9791
JMAerobatics members made some of the decorations for their tree, decorated by dancer and helper Megan, left and Caitlin, teacher, right. AQ 9791 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Although more commonplace now, the Christmas Tree Festival at Holy Cross Crediton was one of the first in Devon and remains one of the largest.

There were two concerts to enjoy as well, both of which were well attended.

Alan Quick with the Crediton Courier tree in the Boniface Centre. AQ 9634
Alan Quick with the Crediton Courier tree which was in the Boniface Centre. AQ 9634 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The magnificent tree by the High Altar is an impressive sight to see in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9786
The magnificent tree by the High Altar was an impressive sight to see in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9786 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Crediton Arts Centre tree. AQ 9651
The Crediton Arts Centre tree. AQ 9651 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Ad Hoc singers and the Crediton Strummers performed on the Thursday with donations invited in aid of Hospiscare.

On the Saturday, the Holy Cross choir were in concert with Crediton Town Band.

Visitors to the Festival could also enjoy listening to the West Gallery Quire at 11am and the Crediton Singers at 12.15pm on the Saturday.

One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9850
One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees which could be seen in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9850 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Children from Copplestone Primary School made the decorations for the school tree. AQ 9805
Children from Copplestone Primary School made the decorations for the school tree. AQ 9805 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9824
One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9824 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The cafe in the Boniface Centre was kept busy throughout, so many volunteers helping in the cafe, church and with car parking.

Other attractions include the shop and stalls in the church, Bridge Books and the Newton St Cyres Art Group exhibition in the Boniface Centre.

Decorations on the Royal British Legion decorated Christmas Tree. AQ 9670
Decorations on the Royal British Legion decorated Christmas Tree. AQ 9670 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Decorations on one of the trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9668
Decorations on one of the trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9668 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Two decorated trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9646
Two decorated trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9646 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Festival is the biggest annual fundraiser for Crediton Parish Church.

Decorations on the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface Christmas Tree. AQ 9856
Decorations on the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface Christmas Tree. AQ 9856 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Pictures of local pets on the St Boniface Vets Christmas tree. AQ 9782
Pictures of local pets on the St Boniface Vets Christmas tree. AQ 9782 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Two decorated trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9780
Two decorated trees in Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. AQ 9780 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)