A HOST of beautifully decorated Christmas trees will light up St Margaret's Church as Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival prepares for another sparkling display. 

St Margaret’s welcomes 30 local charities and community groups each with their own beautifully decorated trees as the festival takes place on Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9.

Stunning Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees, supplied by Moss and Moor, will be festooned with lights and styled to capture the essence of each organisation’s unique personality. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite trees.

Decorate the Mitten Tree – once again we are inviting visitors to bring a pair of new gloves, socks or a woolly hat to decorate the Mitten Tree which will be donated to Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre to keep their young visitors warm.

Fr Alex Crawford, Vicar of St Margaret’s, said: “We’re really looking forward to another Christmas Tree Festival in our beautiful church. We were overwhelmed last year with the wonderful support from so many visitors, and of course such creatively decorated trees. We have more of the same this year, along with live music and refreshments. Your donations will go to support foodbanks in Ilkley and Bradford, and to help keep our church open and serving our community this Christmas.

"We hope you’ll come and share some Christmas cheer with us – and don’t forget our lovely Christingle Service for all the family on Sunday 10th at 3.00 pm.”

Last year’s popular angel making workshop run by our Ukrainian guests returns once more and will take place in church at 12.00 pm on Saturday 9 December. Come along to make a beautiful angel to decorate your own tree at home or to give as a Christmas present to family or friends. The workshop is free but donations are welcome to pay for materials.

As well as browsing among the spectacular trees there will be a programme of live music across the two days including performances by St Margaret’s choirs and primary school children from local schools singing on Friday afternoon. An uplifting set by the Rock Choir Yorkshire will fill the church on Saturday, December 9 at 2pm. A full programme of music is available from St Margaret’s. Or check the programme out on the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page.