VILLAGERS in Offenham are getting set to host their third annual Christmas Tree Festival.
St Mary’s and St. Milburgh’s Church are holding the popular event tomorrow (Saturday) from midday to 4pm and from 12.30pm to 3pm on Sunday (December 14).
All of the Christmas trees have been designed and decorated with an amusing or thought-provoking theme by local traders, the village school and voluntary organisations, who all sponsor a tree.
Visitors can sit and take in the atmosphere, while drinking a cup of tea and eating homemade cake.
Children and parents can also play pin the nose on the reindeer and much more, including a raffle.
Admission is £1 with all proceeds going to church funds.
PERSHORE Leisure Centre will host a special event to commemorate the remarkable Christmas Day truce during the First World War.
An afternoon of carol singing will be held tomorrow (Saturday) from 2.30pm in an event organised by Churches Together in Pershore.
Organisers will remember the moment 100 years ago when British soldiers heard German soldiers singing the carol ‘Silent Night’ and both sides emerged from the trenches for a game of football.
Rev Mark Jennings said: “Service personnel will be particularly welcome to the gathering in the studio hall, although it will be a lively event open to everyone, children included.”
A PACKED programme of events to kick off 2015 has been put together by the organisers of the Evesham Carnival.
The carnival pageant will be held at the Riverside Shopping Centre on January 10 with the coronation of the carnival king and queen on January 17.
Winners of the carnival’s dress competition will be announced on January 18 while a movie quiz will be held at Amber Cafe on February 22.
Crown Meadow will host a Mr/Mrs Muscle fitness competition on April 25 while a carnival car boot sale will be open for business on May 10.
And from May 21 to 24, the Iron Rock Bar will hold the carnival Battle of the Bands event.
The carnival itself will be held on June 6, visit www.eveshamcarnival.com for more information.
MORE than 40 local traders attended a meeting at All Saints Church to find out how they could show their support for the 2015 Battle of Evesham.
Invited guests were presented with a host of options from direct sponsorship to help-in-kind opportunities and also took part in a question and answer session.
Festival organiser Antonia Coles, said: “The size, scale and success of it all depends on people getting involved.
“The festival is likely to attract thousands to the town from around the world.”
We need everything from outside toilets to litter collectors, print services to event security.” she added.
Call Antonia on 07712 433978 for more information.
EVESHAM’s next Repair Cafe event will be held tomorrow (Saturday).
Taking place at ImaGine from 10am to 2pm, the cafe’s usual group of experts will be on hand to fix a wide range of items.
For more information call by Fran Webb on 07801 983112.
AN EVESHAM man is hoping to do his bit for the town while he takes to the stage to bring Christmas cheer to the Vale.
Colin Fisher will be fine-tuning his voice ahead of tomorrow (Saturday) when shoppers in the high street can stop and listen to him singing at the Christmas market.
The entertainer has urged residents to bring along food or toys which can be donated for those who are less fortunate at this time of the year.
A wide variety of music including festive songs and anything from the 1960s to the present day will all be on offer.
“I am retired now so have got loads of time on my hands and if you can help someone else in today’s world then I think have a go.” he said.
“I just do it for a bit of fun really, but if people can donate anything I will make sure it goes to good homes.”
Colin, along with his keyboard player, will start performing between 11am and midday.
PERFORMING stars of the future are on high alert after Wychavon District Council announced the return of the W Factor.
Youngsters between the age of 11 and 18 will once again have the opportunity to showcase their performing, visual and short film talent when the popular competition return in January.
Categories include visual art, short film, music, singing, dance, drama and circus skills. A winner will be chosen from each category.
Auditions will be held at the Civic Centre in Pershore from 5.30pm on Tuesday January 20, Droitwich High School from 5.30pm the following day and from 6pm on Thursday January 22 they will take place at Evesham Arts Centre.
The grand final is on Monday March 9 at Number 8 Community Arts Centre in Pershore.
Jenny Davis, arts development officer, said: “I am looking forward once again to seeing what talented young people come forward for the W Factor.
“There are always some surprises and interesting acts that bring an edge to the final show.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/communitydevelopment or call Hannah Peacop on 01386 565497 for more information.
