CREDITON Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival marks the start of the Festive Season.

This is the view of many of the people that come to the Christmas Tree Festival every year.

Just over 20 years ago, 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. 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. It is also a fantastic community event with over 70 trees being decorated by local nurseries and schools, children’s uniformed groups such as the Scouts, charities and community groups and local businesses.

The 2025 Christmas Tree Festival will take place from 11am to 6pm on Thursday, December 4 and Friday 5; from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, December 6; and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, December 7.

The cafe in the Boniface Centre is open from 10am to 4.30pm from Thursday to Saturday and from 2pm to 4.30pm on the Sunday.

There are two concerts to enjoy as well. On Thursday, December 4 at 7pm, it’s the Ad Hoc singers and the Crediton Strummers with donations invited in aid of Hospiscare.

On Saturday, December 6 at 6pm, enjoy the Holy Cross choir in concert with the Crediton Town Band with refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies.

Other attractions include the shop and stalls in the church, Bridge Books and the Newton St Cyres Art Group exhibition in the Boniface Centre. Free parking and free admission at this accessible event.

For more information, to volunteer or to book in a group, contact Anne Jerman: [email protected] or call 01363 772865.