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Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival ready to shine
Ilkley’s spectacular Christmas Tree Festival will, for the second year running, take place at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd November. The unique event, which highlights many worthy causes across the Ilkley District, will be opened by Ilkley Town Mayor, Cllr 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 Club has generously sponsored the Christmas Tree Festival, donating funds to allow for an extra day to open to visitors. This takes place on Thursday evening, 21st November, 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. Ilkley’s second ever Christmas Tree Festival, will see trees decorated by the likes of Bluebelles W.I., Wharfedale Fell and Rescue, Dans Den, and Ilkley Good Neighbours.
The music schedule will once again see the infamous 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 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 CTI 2000 charities.
The opening times are:
Thursday 21st 4pm-7pm (Children’s story-time with milk and cookies)
Friday 22nd 10am-6pm
Saturday 23rd 10am-6pm
Further information can be found on the website www.ilkleychristmastreefestival.co.uk