A VILLAGE Christmas Tree festival that drew hundreds of visitors is set to return this winter.

Nearly 400 people visited All Saint’s Church, in Hurworth-on-Tees, for its inaugural Christmas Tree Festival last year, and organisers hope to build on that success to help a local charity.

Organiser Andrew Duckworth said: “Last year was the first time we ever held a Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church, and we were blown away at the response.

“People told us how lovely it was to experience the spirit of Christmas without commercialisation, and lots of people just took the opportunity to sit and enjoy the peace and beauty of the displays.”

More than 30 Christmas trees were on display in 2024, decorated by local people, groups, and businesses.

2023's festival filled All Saints Church with light2023's festival filled All Saints Church with light (Image: Chris Barron)

“Last year’s festival was won by Hurworth Primary School, and we raised hundreds of pounds for church funds and local causes,” Andrew said. “This year, money raised will be shared between All Saints Church and 1st Hurworth Scouts.”

The festival will be opened by the Rev. Anthony Smith at 7pm on Friday, December 6, and will welcome visitors until 9pm. It will continue on Saturday, December 7 between 10am and 4pm, and Sunday, December 8 from 12 noon to 4pm.

Anyone interested in participating is invited to design a display using a freshly cut tree, stand, and lights provided by the church. Charities can enter free of charge, while individuals and businesses are asked to pay £30 per tree, but are welcome to donate more.

Refreshments, including mince pies and mulled wine, will also be available.

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“We welcome all creative designs, as long as they’re joyful and suitable for display,” added Andrew.  “Visitors can vote for their favourite trees, and we’ll be awarding prizes to the winners.

“We'd like to say a big ‘thank you’ to your amazing sponsors: Flowers by Nattrass and James Middlemiss Machinery Ltd.”

Anyone interested to enter a tree in the festival can contact Andrew Duckworth on 07816 450114.