Christmas Tree Festival returns to Minster Church

The annual Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster Church of St Denys returned this month, showcasing over 60 decorated trees.

The festival, which ran from Friday 5th December to Sunday 7th December, featured 63 trees decorated by local schools, charities, community groups, businesses and youth organisations. There was also a Christmas grotto and performances from school choirs, musical entertainers and the church’s organist.

“The first day, Friday, saw several local school classes making visits and enjoying the spectacle,” said Revd Carol Owen. “Some were heard to say they were returning on Saturday to see Father and Mrs Christmas, who was in residence to receive visitors. Each school delighted the attending public and helpers with a Christmas carol or song.

“Father and Mrs Christmas welcomed a steady flow of small visitors to the wonderful Christmas grotto set up in the ‘North Pole’ of the church balcony.”

The event concluded on the Sunday with a carol service where Warminster Brass Band performed.

“As ever, the standard of tree decorations was very high, and new exhibitors were made welcome to participate.

“A lot of hard work goes into arranging this event, and the festival team would like to thank especially staff and students of Warminster School, and all who made the festival a resounding success again this year, with donations from the public given for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and church funds,” said Carol.