Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival brings community groups together
Community groups, charities and schools across Ilkley are getting creative as they prepare to bring their own festive displays to this year’s Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival.
Returning to St Margaret’s Church on Queen’s Road, on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December, the annual festival will see 30 Nordmann Christmas trees transformed by the organisations that help make Ilkley and its surrounding communities such a special place to live.
Each participating group will create its own unique display, using handcrafted decorations and imaginative ideas to tell its story, celebrate its work and showcase the difference it makes to local people. From long-standing festival favourites to new participants, including Healthy Minds, MHA Glen Rosa Care Home and Olicana Events, the preparations promise a colourful mix of creativity, community pride and festive spirit.
More than just a display of Christmas trees, the festival offers a chance to discover the people and organisations behind the decorations, celebrating the many ways they support, inspire and bring people together throughout the year.
The stunning setting of St Margaret’s Church will provide the backdrop for the 30 displays, with visitors invited to explore the trees, discover the stories behind them and vote for their favourite. The winning tree will be announced at the end of the festival.
Christmas music will add to the atmosphere, with live performances from local primary schools, musicians and community choirs throughout the event. Full performance times will be shared on the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page during the week before the festival.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy tea, coffee, juices, homemade cakes, mince pies and other seasonal treats, with plenty of opportunity to catch up with friends and celebrate the festive season together.
Fr Alex Crawford, Vicar of St Margaret’s, said: “The Christmas Tree Festival is a wonderful celebration of the many charities, schools and community groups that enrich life in and around Ilkley. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to share the festive atmosphere and support a good cause.”
Proceeds from the festival will support Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Emily Hudson, Regional Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to St Margaret's Church for choosing to support Sue Ryder at the Christmas Tree Festival this year.
"Events like this support our expert palliative, end-of-life and bereavement services, including at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, ensuring more people can access the support they need during some of life's most difficult times.
"The Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival is a wonderful way to bring people together and will support the lives of those who are sadly facing terminal illness, death and grief."
Entry to the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival is free, and everyone is welcome to come along on Friday 4 or Saturday 5 December to enjoy the displays, support local organisations and experience a sparkling start to the Christmas season.
