ST Margaret’s will welcome 30 local charities and community groups each with their own beautifully decorated tree to make up a sparkling display in church for this year's Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7.
A church spokesperson said: "We’re excited to welcome back many of our regular charities to this year’s Christmas Tree Festival alongside some first timers – among them are Ilkley and District Good Neighbours; Brownies and Scouts groups, Ilkley Community Network and Wharfedale and Silsden Community Network "Moss and Moor’s stunning Nordmann Christmas trees will be festooned with lights and uniquely styled to capture the essence of each organisation’s unique personality. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite tree. Last year’s well deserved winning tree was decorated by Ilkley and Surrounds Support for Ukrainian Evacuees. Who will win the title of Best Decorated Tree this year?
"Children can take part in a fun workshop decorating delicious gingerbread biscuits. The workshop will be run by our Ukrainian friends. It takes place in church around 11am on Saturday 7 December. Come along to decorate a scrumptious gingerbread tree decoration, to give as a Christmas gift to family or friends or to eat straight away with a drink from our Christmas café (please check Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page for programme timings the week prior to the festival).
"As well as browsing among the spectacular trees there will be a programme of live music across the two days including performances by primary school children from local schools who will be singing their hearts out on Friday afternoon. An uplifting set by the Rock Choir Yorkshire will fill the church on Saturday 7 at 2pm. A full programme of music is available from St Margaret’s. Or check the programme on St Margaret’s Facebook page - it’s soon to go live.
"There will be plenty of delicious cakes and mince pies, Lishman’s sausage rolls, coffee, tea and juices on sale to tempt you to sit a while, chat with friends and enjoy the music and entertainment in this beautiful space. Thank you to the Co Op, Tesco and Booths who have very kindly donated refreshments again this year – we appreciate their support."
Fr Alex Crawford, Vicar of St Margaret’s added: “We are so pleased to be able to put on the Christmas Tree Festival this year, and we hope it will bring joy to the start of the festive season. Our trees will showcase the work of local charities, community groups, and businesses, and it’ll be a real celebration of all that makes Ilkley such a lovely place to live. Proceeds from this festival will support Martin House Children’s Hospice which provides desperately needed family-led hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses."
Everyone is also welcome to visit the church on Christmas Eve at 3pm for the Crib Service – a family retelling of the Christmas story with carols.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here