Sedgefield’s much-loved Christmas Tree Festival is set to return to St Edmond's Church for its fifth time, with organisers reporting an enthusiastic response from community groups. “We are delighted that 35 groups have responded so positively to the theme of ‘Christmas Stories / Christmas Books’,” said committee member Michael King.
This year, 50% of the festival’s profits will be donated to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.
The biannual festival will be officially opened at 10am on Saturday, 29 November by former ITV News presenter Pam Royle and Paralympic gold medallist Jack Smith MBE. It will then run daily from 11am to 4pm until Sunday, 7 December, except for adjusted hours on Sunday 30 November (2–4pm) and closure on Monday 1 December.
Visitors on opening day can enjoy music from St Edmund’s organist Alistair Fisher, while the ever-popular Ferryhill Town Band will perform on Tuesday 2 December at 7.30pm. The concert has already sold out.
“Our four Christmas Tree festivals have been a great success and were much appreciated by the local community and visitors from a wide area,” said Brian Mutch, Emeritus Churchwarden. “Leaders of local businesses and community groups also enjoy the event because it gives them an opportunity to highlight the valuable work they do.”
The Christmas Tree Festival takes place from 29 November - 7 December.
Official opening by Pam Royle and Jack Smith MBE on Saturday 29 November.
Parish Service at 10am on Sunday, 30 November, festival open 2-4pm
Community Carol Service, 4 December, 7pm
Smile Time (Ukuleles), 6 December, 11am
Church opening times:
Saturday, 29th November 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sunday 30th November - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Monday, 1st December - Closed
Tuesday 2nd through to Sunday 7th Dec 11.00 – 4.00 pm