The Methodist Church is full of colour and festive cheer as they host the 8th Alderley Edge Christmas Tree Festival this weekend.
The church is filled with 40 trees of different shapes and sizes which have been donated and decorated by various local organisations, businesses and schools.
The 2016 Christmas Tree Festival opened at lunchtime today and continues through to Sunday afternoon. Earlier in the day, harpist Fran Barsby performed a concert of Christmas music and carols after which pupils from Alderley Edge Community Primary School came to view the beautiful display and sing carols by the trees.
Judy Povey, church secretary, said "This year the trees all depict the theme of love, joy, hope and peace. Some of the trees have embraced one and some have taken all four on board.
"I think what has really caught us all are the messages some of the children have written on them, little reception children and Year 1s saying they don't want people to be hungry, don't want people to be unhappy - just that depth of feeling. It's wonderful the way they have transferred that into the little symbols they have put on the trees. Tremendous, really tremendous."
A programme of events has been put together for the weekend, with a Village Christingle Service in aid of The Children's Society at 6pm this evening (Friday, 2nd December).
On Saturday 3rd December the festival will be open from 10am until 4.30pm and a concert by Roberts Bakery Band will commence at 7.30pm, tickets for which are £12.50.
Then on Sunday 4th December the festival opens at 12.30pm, following Morning Service, culminating with Carols Round the Trees at 3pm.
A Christmas Fair and light refreshments will be available throughout the weekend as well as musical interludes.
Tickets for the Roberts Bakery Band are available from the church office on 01625 586713 or email [email protected].
Entrance to the Alderley Edge Christmas Tree Festival is £2 for adults and free for children. Proceeds from the weekend will go to the Alderley Edge Branch of Royal British Legion, Christian Aid and the church funds.
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