THERE is sad news this month that the 2020 Crediton Parish Church’s Christmas Tree Festival is unable to go ahead in its usual format - but saying that, there will still be some events and competitions held.

Stella Stephens, who co-ordinates the annual event, said that everyone involved had been thinking "long and hard" about the feasibility of a festival this year, but added that following the final decision by the church governors, sadly it cannot go ahead in its usual format.

FLOODLIT

Saying this, she said that there will be lots of activities for people to enjoy, including some events and competitions.

Firstly, she extended a massive thanks to all those that have already shown a huge amount of support to the festival and all those that have been in contact during these challenging times.

COMFORT AND JOY

To-date, the plans include the floodlighting of Crediton Parish Church from the beginning of Advent on November 29 until Epiphany on January 6, 2021.

The "Big" tree will also be installed near the High Altar in the Church and will also be lit up every evening to shine through from inside the Church conveying the message of "Comfort and Joy", which is the theme of The Church of England this year and will be the theme of Christmas at Crediton Parish Church.

If you would like to help towards the cost of the electricity in memory of a loved one please email: [email protected] or telephone Stella on 07960 388198.

Stella said that there will be opportunities to display and publish the names of loved ones dependent on individual preferences.

FAMILY CAROLS

On Saturday, December 5, the Boniface Centre will be open from 10am to 12.30pm and then again from 2.30pm to 5.45pm for a Café and stalls, Church Shop, Bric-a-Brac and Bridge Books for Christmas Gifts and Christmas Cards.

In the evening at 6pm on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, there will be "Family Carols from Holy Cross" – an opportunity to hear readings and carols sung by the Holy Cross Choir.

The "Big" tree will be shining. As seating is limited, prior booking is recommended.

Please contact Anne Jerman on 01363 772865 or email: [email protected] to book your place.

Masks are required to be worn unless exempt and seating is socially distanced.

The "Family Carols from Holy Cross" will also be streamed on the Church’s Facebook page from 6pm on Sunday, December 6 and will include images from previous Christmas Tree Festivals along with words to carols so everyone can sing along at home and replay it over the festive period.

COMPETITIONS

There will be two competitions to enter this year, further details of which will be revealed very soon.

For any questions regarding the church floodlighting please telephone Stella on 07960 388198 or email: [email protected] .