Plans for Ilkley’s stunning Christmas Tree Festival 2024 are well underway. St Margaret’s will welcome 30 local charities and community groups each with their own beautifully decorated tree to make up a sparkling display in church on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December.
A spokesperson for the festival said: "We’re excited to welcome back many of our regular charities to this year’s Christmas Tree Festival alongside some first timers – among them are Ilkley and District Good Neighbours; Brownies and Scouts groups, Ilkley Community Network and Wharfedale and Silsden Community Network
"Moss and Moor’s stunning Nordmann Christmas trees will be festooned with lights and uniquely styled to capture the essence of each organisation’s unique personality. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite tree. Last year’s well deserved winning tree was decorated by Ilkley and Surrounds Support for Ukrainian Evacuees. Who will win the title of Best Decorated Tree this year?
"Children can take part in a fun workshop decorating delicious gingerbread biscuits. The workshop will be run by our Ukrainian friends. It takes place in church around 11.00 am on Saturday 7 December Come along to decorate a scrumptious gingerbread tree decoration, to give as a Christmas gift to family or friends or to eat straight away with a drink from our Christmas café."
As well as browsing among the spectacular trees there will be a programme of live music across the two days including performances by primary school children from local schools who will be singing their hearts out on Friday afternoon. An uplifting set by the Rock Choir Yorkshire will fill the church on Saturday 7 at 2.00 pm.
Please check Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page for programme timings the week prior to the festival.
There will be plenty of delicious cakes and mince pies, Lishman’s sausage rolls, 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. Organisers thank the support of Co Op, Tesco and Booths who have very kindly donated refreshments again this year.
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 joy to the start of the festive season. 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 this festival will support Martin House Children’s Hospice which provides desperately needed family-led hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
"There is so much to enjoy over the Christmas Tree Festival weekend – we hope you’ll visit with friends and family. And everyone is welcome to join us again on Christmas Eve at 3.00 pm for the Crib Service – a family retelling of the Christmas story with carols, while we build the crib, with refreshments afterwards. Arrive early to get a seat at this very popular service."
The Christmas Tree Festival is open 10am-6pm on Friday 6 December and 10am-5pm on Saturday 7 December.