ILKLEY’S magical Christmas Tree Festival will, for the second year running, take place at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.
The unique event, which highlights many worthy causes across the Ilkley district, will be opened by Ilkley Town Mayor, Councillor Mark Stidworthy and Canon Philip Gray, Vicar of St Margaret’s Church.
A stunning display of 25 real trees will be individually decorated by a local charity or community group.
This year the Rotary Clubs of Ilkley have generously sponsored the Christmas Tree Festival, donating funds to allow for an extra day to open to visitors. This takes place on Thursday evening, November 21st, for a special children’s story-time with milk and cookies.
A programme of live Christmas music will be playing across the three days, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite tree.
The festival, which raised over £500 for charity last year, will see trees decorated by the likes of Bluebelles W.I., Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, Dan’s Den, Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Flower Club and Nell Bank, who were crowned the winning tree in 2018.
The music schedule will once again see the Rock Choir perform, along with many other local music groups and singers, including for the first time, children from local primary school choirs.
Organiser Jessica Jeffrey said: “This event is such a joy to put on.
“It’s a lovely way of saying thank you to so many ‘unsung’ hero’s who operate in our community.
“We encourage everyone to come and enjoy our programme of live Christmas music, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a cuppa.
“I don’t think there could be a better way to celebrate Christmas.”
Booths and Mortens of Ilkley have once again generously supported the event, by supplying trees and batteries for the lights respectively.
This year voluntary donations taken on the door will go to Young Minds and Churches Together in Ilkley (CTI) 2000 charities.
The Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival is on: Thursday, November 21st from 4pm-7pm (children’s story-time with milk and cookies); Friday, November 22nd from 10am-6pm and Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-6pm
The full music schedule and list of tree decorators is available on the website: www.ilkleychristmastreefestival.co.uk
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