Here we come a-wassailing: singers from Taxal and Fernilee school will entertain at opening night

THE very first Christmas Tree Festival  in Whaley Bridge takes place in Holy Trinity church over next weekend  (Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December). Dozens of decorated trees, sponsored by local businesses and organisations, will light up the church and signal that Christmas is on its way.

On Friday from 6.30pm onwards, children from the two church schools in the area  – Taxal and Fernilee primary and Kettleshulme St James  –  will entertain at the opening event.  About 20 members of Class 4 at Taxal and Fernilee will be singing Christmas songs, including the Tudor Wassailing carol.  Hand bell ringers from Kettleshulme  St James will provide a different Christmas mood sound.

Visitors can view the trees on Saturday from 10am -4pm and on Sunday from 12 noon-4pm. (admission £1). Refreshments will be available on both days, with a tombola and raffle.

One of the organisers, Eveline Hughes, said:  “Thank you to the community of Whaley Bridge for such great support.”

Profits from the event, organised by the communication group, will go towards funding the free copies of he parish magazine, which are available to the public at several outlets.  The church will also make a contribution to another charity.