The last weekend in November will see Alderley Edge Methodist Church decorated with around 50 Christmas trees of all shapes, sizes, colours, and types.
Their second Christmas Tree Festival will be held from Friday 26th November to Sunday, 28th November, and the church is hoping this event, which is in aid of the Spire Appeal, will generate a lot of interest among the local community and beyond, because local organisations, schools and businesses from around the area are contributing the trees.
Each one will be different, as people use their own creative skills to produce something that tells the public about their interest, what their organisation represents or what their business is about. Trees have already been booked by Alderley Edge Parish Council, Alderley Traders Association, scouting and guiding groups, a local garden centre and the village schools, to name but a few.
Local author Alan Garner will open the Festival with a reading from The Stone Book, which is set in Alderley Edge and celebrates the association of Alan's family with Alderley Edge Methodist Church. This will be followed by a special lunchtime concert featuring flautist Stephanie Tepper, who will be accompanied by pianist Russell Lomas.
Friday evening the church are fortunate to have the United Christian Singers, under the leadership of Walter Brisk, giving an Advent Concert entitled 'Lay Open A Road'. Excerpts from various Christian musicals, dramas and readings will make up the programme from this highly talented choir.
The Saturday evening concert is sure to be another popular brass band event, when they welcome Pemberton Old Wigan Band. Sunday afternoon sees a Big Christmas Sing in aid of Christian Aid and the whole weekend will come to a close when Churches Together in Alderley hold a Festival of Light Service at 4.30pm to welcome in the Season of Advent.
Refreshments, stalls, crafts and bell ringers will be available throughout the festival and even Father Christmas is set to make an appearance on Saturday afternoon between 2 and 4pm.
For more information on booking a tree or purchasing tickets, ring the church Office on 01625 586713, email or visit the Alderley Edge Methodist Church website.
