THE BATTLE will soon be under way to find the most tree-mendous Christmas tree at All Saints’ Parish Church in Leamington.
There will be 47 decorated trees – each sponsored by a local business or charity – for visitors to admire at the tree festival running from Saturday December 10 to Sunday December 18.
And Father Christopher from All Saints’ Church, Warwick District Council Chair, Coun Mini Mangat, and BBC Midlands Today presenter Mary Rhodes will be spending an afternoon with mulled wine and mince pies as they have the task of judging which one deserves an award for being the most sparkliest, creative and upcycled.
Mary Rhodes said: “I’m really looking forward to this as I know people have been busy knitting and crafting, so it’s going to interesting to see their creations.”
There will also be an opportunity for visitors to vote for which they think is a winner.
Kelly Illes from the Enchanted Tea Room in Leamington has also donated a special ‘Tree of Remembrance’. There will be hearts for people to fill in with the name of someone special to hang on the tree.
At the end of the festival, eight decorated trees will be donated to local charity Helping Hands for someone in need of some Christmas sparkle. Any remaining trees will be distributed to the community for free.
The trees have been supplied by Mick Smith who runs Smith’s Garden Centre in Baginton and are potted so that they can planted out or used the following year.
The festival has been produced by Charles Craft with support from Carole Sleight and David Clargo whose company Whittle Productions specialises in unique and imaginative events and activities. BID Leamington has also pledged support.
Stephanie Kerr, BID Executive Director, said: ‘This festival is one of a number of family Christmas events and activities we are supporting to bring some seasonal joy and attract more visitors into our town to support local businesses.”
Entry is free but donations – for All Saints’ Church and the Ups of Downs charity – are welcome.
