Alderley Edge Methodist Church is full of colour and festive cheer for the 7th Christmas Tree Festival.
The church is filled with 50 trees of different shapes and sizes donated by various organisations, businesses and schools from the local area, each one telling its own story.
The 2015 Christmas Tree Festival opened at lunchtime today and continues through to Sunday afternoon. Earlier in the day, children from the Friday Tots group and local preschool came to decorate their tree, have a look round, and enjoy some carols and a story with the church minister.
Judy Povey, church secretary, said "This, our 7th Christmas Tree Festival, has not disappointed in the number of trees displayed, nor in the inventiveness of some of the contributions."
She added "Children, from toddlers through to young teenagers, have made decorations of all different and original ideas. There are trees identifying with international issues, and topics such as global warming, as well as the wish for peace. Others showing off their trades and interests.
So many varied and interesting areas have been explored and the innovative ideas! Would you think of a cheese tree, or one made from coat hangers? Would you think of putting toilets on a tree? Or covering one in a mosquito net?
"Come along during this weekend and explore the display of trees, you will be challenged, amused, surprised, taken aback at the overall beauty and..... you will be very welcome!"
A programme of events has been put together for the weekend, including a Christingle Service this evening from 6pm to 7pm, in aid of The Children's Society.
On Saturday, 5th December, the festival will be open from 10am until 4.30pm with Carols Round the Trees at 3.30pm and a brass band concert with Besses O' Th' Barn at 7.30pm. Entrance to which is by ticket, priced £10 each, see our events calendar for the full programme.
Then on Sunday, 6th December, the festival reopens at 12.30pm and continues until a concert by Echo Duo at 3pm. Tickets to see the flute duo perform are £5 each.
Visitors can view the stunning display of trees, enjoy light refreshments and musical interludes, as well as browse a selection of stalls. Entrance is for a minimum donation of £2 and free for children.
Proceeds are in aid of church funds with a contribution from the weekend being donated to East Cheshire Hospice.
Tickets for the brass band and flute duo concerts are available from the church office on 01625 586713 or email [email protected].
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Nice refreshments and company.
Paid a visit downstairs to the old Net Coffe bar and youth club-memories eh!