If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, make sure you support your local Christmas tree festival, which begins at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin on 7th December!
This year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Petroc’s Church, with market stalls, music, refreshments and a grand draw, is open with free entry for everyone from Wednesday, 7th December to Saturday, 18th December, 10am to 4.30pm, (excluding Sundays), with tree viewing only from December 19 to 26.
Muriel Nicholl, one of the organising team, has been involved from the start. She recalls: “Following a successful exhibition for Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, it was suggested the church should consider a Christmas Tree Festival.
“In 2003 trees and lights were sourced and the church’s invitation to schools, charities and retailers to decorate a tree, was willingly accepted. Over the years the number of trees has grown.
“The decorated trees are a source of awe and excitement and provide a sense of peace and wonderment, in the often stressful time leading up to Christmas Day.”
Roland Oakley heads the team. He told Bodmin Life: “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary, we’re injecting new energy into the festival, to make it extra special for the community. All the traditions of previous festivals are being kept but new ideas will bring a new feel to it this year. People who’ve attended over the past two decades will definitely see some surprises!”
When pressed to share the ‘surprises’, Roland didn’t give much away, but did reveal that Bodmin Nursery has donated a huge tree for families to decorate during the festival.
It’s also no secret that there will be concerts on virtually every evening of the festival.
Bodmin College Sixth Form students will help again with tree installations, will add a new feature to the external nativity scene, and this year will help serve refreshments.