Plans for Ilkley’s stunning Christmas Tree Festival 2023 are well underway. St Margaret’s welcomes 30 local charities and community groups each with its own beautifully decorated tree to make up a sparkling display in church on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December.
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.
A spokesperson said; "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. We would love you to help us cover this tree in colourful woollens!
"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 their hearts out on Friday afternoon. An uplifting set by the Rock Choir Yorkshire will fill the church on Saturday 9 December at 2.00 pm. A full programme of music is available from St Margaret’s. Or check the programme out on the Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival Facebook page."
They will also be an array of freshly baked cakes and mince pies, Lishman’s delicious sausage rolls, coffee, tea and juices will be on sale to tempt you to sit a while, chat with friends and enjoy the music and entertainment in this beautiful space.
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.
"There is so much to enjoy over the Christmas Tree Festival weekend – we hope you will join us."
For those who what to plan their music while they visit, the schedule (subject to change) is:
Friday 8 December 10 am Ilkley Singers 2.00 pm Songs by Moorfield School 3.00 pm Steph and Her Sax 4.30 pm Songs by Addingham Primary School 5.15 pm Ilkley Choral Society 6.00 pm Close
Saturday 9 December 10.30 am Outside the Box 11.15 am Ukrainian Children’s Choir 12.00 pm Ukrainian Angel Making Workshop 2.00 pm Rock choir Yorkshire 3.30pm Ilkley Singers 4.30pm St. Margaret’s Choir 6.00 pm Close
The Christmas Tree Festival is open 10am until 6pm both Friday 8th and Saturday 9th December. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.