Newark Parish Church's 13th annual Christmas Tree Festival in pictures
The 13th annual Christmas Tree Festival has arrived at Newark Parish Church.
The church is now home to more than 117 decorated trees for the festive season.
Visitors can marvel at the handiwork of schools, businesses and organisations.
Organiser Rita McCall said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have so many trees. We have schools, children’s groups like Homestart, the Brownies and the Cubs, businesses and charities and organisations involved.
“Its the same as every year. I don’t know where people get their inspiration from, they’re all different — no organisation does the same tree every year. They obviously put a lot of thought in, they don’t just stick stuff on trees.”
One of the organisations that decorated a tree was Newark Memory Café.
Co-ordinator Pam Hall decorated the tree with volunteers from the café, which is a safe space for people with dementia and their carers.
Pam said: “It’s absolutely magical, there’s over 100 Christmas trees with bright lights — its just wonderful to be a part of it.
“I can’t recommend it highly enough, its truly beautiful.”
The tree is decorated in handmade knitted and card bells, which have been made by people at café meetings.
Pam added: “There’s a sense of normality coming back, that we can open up and are able to have the Christmas Tree Festival.”
The memory café’s jingle bells-themed tree will be on display throughout the festival, alongside many others decorated by Newark groups and organisations.
Guests over the first few days of the festival enjoyed the trees, stalls and refreshments on offer.
Jean Gardener, who visited with husband Graham, said: “We love the Christmas Tree Festival, it gets us into the festive spirit. All the twinkling lights against the backdrop of the stained glass windows and the smell of the trees is a real treat for the senses.”
They have visited for all 13 festivals the church has held, and look forward to it each year.
Jean added: “Its the start of our Christmas and a special part of our Christmas celebrations.
“I like to look at the school trees as, an ex-teacher, to see the decorations the children have made — all the things that remind me of being with children at Christmas.”
Chris and Margaret White, from Newark, also visited the festival with their grandson Freddie.
Chris said: “It was very well organised, there was a one-way system and everyone was wearing masks.
“The festival is very good, one of the best ones I’ve seen and my grandson loved it.”
Sue Holmes, visiting for the first time with her husband Paul, added: “It was lovely, the trees looked gorgeous and there were stalls selling bits and bobs and a little tea shop doing tea and coffee.
“It was a lovely effort from everyone.”
The display will end on Sunday, with a carol service at 5pm.
Visitors can view the display while listening to the choir, prayers and readings.
