CREDITON Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival starts today, Thursday, December 4 at 11am and will end on Sunday, December 7 at 5pm.

Thousands of people are expected to visit the church to admire the 70+ trees decorated by local nurseries and schools, children’s uniformed groups such as the Scouts, charities and community groups and local businesses.

The magnificent tree by the High Altar is an impressive sight to see in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9786
The magnificent tree by the High Altar is an impressive sight to see in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9786 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

All of the trees were decorated on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2 and 3, and the spectacular results should not be missed.

It was just over 20 years ago that 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 open today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, from 11am to 6pm; from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, December 6; and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, December 7.

One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9850
One of the avenues of decorated Christmas trees in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 9850 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

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.

Visitors to the Festival can also enjoy listening to the West Gallery Quire at 11am and the Crediton Singers at 12.15pm on Saturday, December 6.

Children from Copplestone Primary School made the decorations for the school tree. AQ 9805
Children from Copplestone Primary School made the decorations for the school tree. AQ 9805 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

For safety reasons due to the volume of people going along, only Assistance Dogs are permitted in the church and Boniface Centre during the festival.

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