Preston’s Festival of Christmas Trees – a local tradition
| December 11, 2012 | Filled under Community, Events, Preston |
Curlers and combs make up the decorations on this tree – Sponsored by local hairstylist
THE FESTIVAL of Christmas Trees at the All Saints Church in Preston is a delightful event.
With over 35 Christmas Trees on display, you need to give yourself enough time to look at each. A slow meander around the ancient church and studying the cards attached, reveals that each tree has been sponsored and lovingly decorated by a local organisation, family or individual.
It’s not just the trees that makes the Festival interesting, but also the other exhibits which includes a display about the church’s Bells Appeal which aims to raise enough money to get the bells restored in time for World War 1 commemoration bell-ringing ceremonies in August 1914.
There’s a giant wooden nativity set too. Look carefully at the scene, because an accompanying competition will check out your observation skills!
Richard Thorp – Festival of Christmas Trees
The tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas was first introduced to this country by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 1840s – which was about the same time that the last major deterioration of All Saints Church set in, prompting its restoration.
That last restoration project took place in the 1880s. Richard Thorp from the church hopes that the current restoration project will result in All Saints being fit for another 100 years or so.
The Festival of Trees is just one of the ways that the church can raise a few pounds towards the restoration funds and visitors are asked to donate £1. But it’s not just the money – Richard believes that the Festival of Trees is becoming something of a Christmas tradition in Preston; it’s something that can be enjoyed as a visitor, or indeed your business, community group or family can get involved by sponsoring a tree.
The traditions we keep every year are the important to us. A visit to Preston Festival of Christmas Trees is one of those local traditions being forged by All Saints Church, Preston.
Open 1pm – 4pm on the following dates in 2012:
- Saturday 15th December
- Sunday 16th December
- Saturday 22nd December
- Sunday 23rd December
Refreshments available.
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