With only two weeks to go the spirit of Christmas can be captured at the Wilmslow Christmas Tree and Arts Festival at Wilmslow Methodist Church this weekend.
The town's 5th festival kicked off this morning with Christmas songs from Wilmslow Methodist Pre-School children followed by performances from Lacey Green Primary School Choir and Wilmslow High School's Senior Choir 'Rhapsody' and String Ensemble.
At the heart of the festival are 37 trees which have been donated and decorated by local community groups, organisations and businesses to create a magical atmosphere at the Methodist Church. This year's festival has a twist though because for the first time it will incorporate a celebration of the arts.
New for this year photographers, artists, flower arrangers, film makers, singers, community groups and schools have been invited to showcase their talents - all of which are centred around the theme "The Spirit of Christmas". A cupcake demonstration was held this lunchtime by Leah's Pantry, followed by a Christmas Pastel Demonstration with local artist Jacky Freeman.
A full programme has been put together for the weekend including; Christmas Favourites with Sotto Voice Vocal Group, Christmas Home Decorating Ideas from The Lavender Tree, Christmas Flowers by Ian Floyd and the Spirit of Christmas Film by Robyn Forsythe. The festival will conclude with Carols round the trees at 6.30pm on Sunday.
Rev. Richard Lowson said "We wanted to do something different so people will enter the festival through the magical world of Narnia. Lights will then guide them through a forest of lit trees to a stable and the contents of the manger.
"We are delighted to have many talented contributors and performers from the Wilmslow community and beyond, giving freely of their time to help catch the Spirit of Christmas for 2010."
All proceeds from the weekend will go to action for children.
Full details of the weekend's schedule can be found in our events calendar.
