OTLEY is all set to enjoy its eighth Christmas Tree Festival.

All Saints Parish Church will be filled with sparkling trees from Wednesday, December 12 to Saturday, December 15.

Free to enter, the festival is organised on behalf of Otley and District Chamber of Trade by Tim and Helen Wilkinson.

This year’s event will feature 40 trees, donated by Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centre, that have been decorated by local charities and community groups who will have donation buckets beside their entries.

Guiseley Brass Band will get proceedings underway at noon on December 12 and other performers during the festival will include primary school choirs, Madrigalis, Chevin Handbell Ringers and Emeli Mumford.

Councillor Paul Carter, Chair of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism Committee, said: “The festival is always beautifully staged in the Parish Church by all the participating charities and organisations. I do hope residents will take the time to pop in while in town shopping.”

Helen Wilkinson added: “The festival has grown from nothing to being one of the events that heralds Christmas. We would love to see visitors, young and old, come and enjoy the display and some Christmas cheer.”

The trees can be viewed from noon to 6pm on the opening day and then from 10am to 6pm. They will remain in church on Sunday, December 16 when they can be viewed following the 10am service and will then feature in the 4pm Christmas Tree Carol Service.