Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival, with its stunning display of individually decorated trees, will be welcoming visitors to St Margaret’s Church on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December.
St Margaret’s church will be filled, once again, with 30 trees decorated by charities and community groups from across Ilkley – all uniquely styled to capture the essence of their organisation. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite trees. Can Nell Bank, winner two year’s running, be beaten this year?
The Christmas Tree Festival also includes a Mitten Tree – organisers are inviting visitors to bring a pair of gloves or a woolly hat to decorate the Mitten Tree which will then be donated to charities providing support to people in need during the cold season. A spokesperson said: "We would love you to help us cover this tree in colourful woollens!
"As well as browsing among the spectacular trees there will be a programme of live music across the two days including an Organ Recital by Christopher Rathbone on Friday 2nd at 12.30pm and an uplifting set by the Rock Choir Yorkshire on Saturday 3rd at 1.30pm. A full programme of music will be available soon.
"There will be plenty of delicious cakes and mince pies, coffee, tea and juices on sale to tempt you to sit a while, chat with friends and enjoy the music and entertainment in this beautiful space.
"We’re also delighted to be joined by our Ukrainian friends who will be sharing their festive foods, music and singing and inviting visitors to take part in an Angel making workshop."
Fr Alex Crawford, Vicar of St Margaret’s said, “We are so pleased to be able to put on the Christmas Tree Festival this year, and we hope it will bring a bit of joy into what’s looking to be a difficult winter for everyone. Our trees will showcase the work of local charities, community groups, and businesses, and it’ll be a real celebration of all that makes Ilkley such a lovely place to live. Proceeds from the festival will help to support homeless people and those in need in Bradford, and help keep our church open and serving our community this Christmas.
"We finish the weekend with St Margaret’s Christingle service at 3.00 pm on Sunday, December 4th – bringing our community together for a family friendly, joyful celebration of light and hope.
"There is so much to enjoy over the Christmas Tree Festival weekend – we hope you will join us."
