THE grand opening of this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at Crediton Parish Church will take place on Wednesday, December 5 at 3.45pm when the tree lights will be switched on and visitors will be entertained by Hayward’s School Choir.

The Christmas Tree Festival will be open from Thursday, December 6 to Sunday, December 9. Entry to the festival is free.

One of Britain’s best-loved sopranos, Dame Felicity Lott, will be performing in the Gala Concert at the church on the Sunday evening with Sebastian Wybrew on piano.

The guest speaker will be Vice Admiral Duncan Potts CB.

The concert will be in aid of the Holy Cross Crediton Campaign Roof Appeal.

Tickets for the concert, priced at £25, £15, £12 or £10, are available from A E Lee Outfitters, Stella Stephens on 07960 388198 or by email at: [email protected] .