THE recently-held 17th annual Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, was as always, a huge success.

A Grand Opening took place at the church on Wednesday, December 4 when all the tree lights were officially switched on.

The festival was open from Wednesday, December 4 to Sunday, December 8 during which time 3,500 visitors were welcomed to the church.

During the festival 77 stunning Christmas trees illuminated the church, each one uniquely decorated and to a high standard by local businesses, charities, groups, individuals, organisations and schools.

Festival organiser, Stella Stephens said: "The Christmas Tree Festival Committee members would like to express their thanks to all the volunteers who helped - without the help of each individual person the festival couldn’t happen.

"Thank you so much to everyone who came to the festival.

“Thanks also go to the guides and scouts whose help was much appreciated.

“ We were delighted that more than 3,500 people came to see the trees.

“It was a wonderful community event with 76 different organisations decorating a tree, all with different themes.

“The best decorated adult tree was Daphne’s Lace Group and the best decorated children’s group was the Crediton Brownies ’again’ this year with the theme of pirates and mermaids.

“The recurring comment was ‘it is the best festival… so how do you top that?

"We thoroughly enjoyed their energy and enthusiasm and look forward to seeing them next year.

"Electrician, Jo Ward worked tirelessly to decorate the ’big tree’ having already installed trees up through Crediton High Street and then set out the electrics for the trees in the church."

Anne Jerman ran the bric-a-brac tables and the Christmas Cracker Café was open in the Boniface Centre for refreshments during the festival. A photography exhibition adorned the walls and featured the work of four local photographers.

If your organisation would like to take part next year please contact Stella on [email protected] all booked on a first come first served basis.

See the current issue of the Crediton Courier for more images from the Festival.