THE 13th Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival will take place at Holy Cross Church from Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6.

It has become an annual highlight for many in the lead-up to Christmas.

It will open on the Thursday and Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday from 10.30am to 7pm and on the Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.

More than 70 trees, ranging in height from three to 20 foot plus, decorated and illuminated by local charities, groups, organisations, schools and individuals will fill the church!

All these will make a wonderful atmospheric display especially as the natural light begins to fade towards the end of each afternoon.

Admission and nearby parking will be free and refreshments will be available from 10am until 5pm, Thursday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on the Sunday in the nearby Boniface Centre.

Tours to the Governors’ Room will take place at 12 noon and 3pm each day (3pm only on the Sunday) and to the Bell Tower at 2pm each day.

A concert of music, including seasonal songs, by the Choir of Holy Cross will take place on Sunday, December 6, starting at 6pm. Concert tickets cost £6.

There will be stalls in the church and Boniface Centre selling seasonal gifts, church shop goods, books and bric-a-brac. A Festival catalogue with a list of all the trees in the church and the Boniface Centre will be available.

There will be access for those with disabilities to view the exhibition.

Party bookings to the Christmas Tree Festival are welcome and should be made by contacting 01363 776681 or email: [email protected] .

Thousands of people visit the festival, which helps to raise funds for the ongoing upkeep and restoration of the fabric of this large Grade 1 Listed internationally important parish church.

Forthcoming projects include repair and re-guilding of the clock dials and improving the paths in the churchyard.

During the festival an exhibition of works by four local photographers will be exhibited in the Boniface Centre.

A percentage of the sales from their work will go towards Hospiscare and church funds.

For further details, visit: www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk or email: [email protected] .

Alan Quick