The trees are out in Twyford … and they’re looking very festive! More than 60 beautifully decorated trees have been erected for the village’s Christmas Tree festival, which runs until Sunday, December 7.
It’s a real community affair too, with clubs, groups, shops and churches all created displays.
The theme was Victorian times and groups were tasked by organiser Pam Bromley to create not just the decorations but the trees themselves.
They are now on show at St Mary’s Church in Station Road as part of a four-day festival which includes an illusionist, carol singing and, on the first evening, a festive concert.
The church also hosted a Christmas market on Friday evening, as part of the town’s Christmas celebrations.
Pam has been delighted with how well the event has been going – and how people have tackled the challenge to get their festive firs on display.
She said: “I’m really pleased with the way people responded. The response from the community has really warmed my heart.”
A total of 61 trees are decorating every nook and cranny of the church and include a tree made out of eggs and another made of cans that have been donated by children entering a Victorian-themed fancy dress contest on Saturday. All the food items will go to ReadiFood, Reading’s foodbank.
“We’re not charging entry – we’re raising food,” Pam said, revealing that the eggs had been donated by a farm who wanted to help. The result is a tree made of egg boxes.
The ReadiFood can tree sits next to an incredible Victorian tableau devised by the clever people at Hare Hatch Sheeplands.
Pam said: “The creativity [on show] has been amazing. We just said to groups it’s a Victorian theme and everyone has interpreted it differently.”
And although Pam has masterminded the festival, she’s very clear that she’s not done this on her own and, like Santa, is grateful for her many, many helpers.
“Everyone pulled together – we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Entry to the Festival is free, although the church welcomes donations.
It continues on Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 4.30pm. It includes a performance by the Berkshire Recorder Consort at noon, Queen Victoria judging the best-dressed Victorian child contest at 2.30pm and a performance by the Twyford and Ruscombe Drama Group at 3.45pm.
In the evening, magician Mark Shortland will be performing and there are a limited number of tickets left which can be purchased on the door. Tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for children and £21 for families.
On Sunday, the displays are open from 10am to 5.30pm and includes a family service at 10.30am, a Christmas tea at 2.30pm and carols around the Christmas trees at 4.30pm.
For more details, log on to http://thru-christ.org.uk.
