Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Another Bromyard Festival?

St Peter’s Church is bringing some early festive sparkle to the start of the Advent season by holding Bromyard’s second Christmas Tree Festival.  Following the success of last year’s event, which raised over £1,000 for a local charity and the church roof fund, members of the congregation will be out and about in Bromyard distributing sponsorship forms asking local businesses, voluntary organisations and schools to sponsor a Christmas tree which will light up the nave of St Peter’s Church during a weekend of music and mulled wine from November 30 and December 1.

The trees, varying between 3ft and 5ft, are being provided by local suppliers, including Leigh Sinton Farm Christmas Trees and will cost between £15 and £30 to sponsor depending on size. They will be in place at the church from lunchtime on Friday, November 29 for sponsors to decorate with their chosen theme.
Last year saw some wonderful creative ideas including a baker’s tree covered in loaves and a ‘Breakfast Tree’ decorated with eggs and bacon. Once again trophies will be presented for the best decorated tree and the tree with the most original theme. Last year, King’s Equestrian won the prize for the Best Decorated tree whilst the youngsters at Bromyard Football Club won the prize for the most original tree when they decorated theirs with footballs and other sporting emblems.
The decorated trees will be on display during the afternoon of Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1. Visitors can wander through the church and vote for their favourite tree, while enjoying a mulled wine or hot drink and light snacks, provided by the Bromyard Community Hospital League of Friends. The weekend will culminate in the annual ‘Light Up a Life’ service on Sunday evening.
Proceeds from the event will be split between the League of Friends and St Peter’s Church. Any trees not kept by their sponsors will be available for purchase over the weekend and will be available for collection on Monday, December 2.  

Charles Dods, oraniser of this year's event, said to BromyardBowls: "Last year's festival was  a great success. This year, with the generosity of the people of Bromyard  and the surrounding villages, we hope to make it even bigger and better."