A POPULAR festive community event in Evesham has exceeded expectations, drawing hundreds of people through the doors of All Saints’ Church this December.
The annual Christmas Tree Festival featured 57 colourful and cleverly crafted creations made by community groups throughout the town.
The aisles of the 15th Century church have been aglow with entries from a number of organisations, including Rotary in the Vale, Anti-Litter Evesham, Evesham & District Pensioners’ Association and Evesham Adventure Playground Association.
Alison Bird, Vikki Roberts and Wynnie enjoy the trees. Picture by Marcus Mingins 5125004MMR3
The event, which ends next Friday, December 26 was designed to spread awareness of the various community groups in the town and is the brainchild of Councillor Robert Raphael of Evesham Town Council.
“The festival this year has been truly amazing – our biggest and best so far. The idea was to create a free event for all and we’ve been so overwhelmed with response that we’ve had to turn potential entries away,” he said.
A mum and daughter enjoy the festive scene. Picture by Marcus Mingins 5125004MMR2
Plans are already afoot to make it bigger next year, and the Churches Conservation Trust, who look after St Lawrence’s Church next door have agreed to participate.
The festival officially launched with a sell-out Christmas Concert on December 6, which featured the first public performance of the Evesham Community Chamber Orchestra, along with singing from community choir groups.
Trees line the aisles. Picture by Marcus Mingins 5125004MMR4
The church is open from 10am to 4pm and is free to enter.
Donations of more than £350 have been received for the upkeep of the church.
