Faith in the community: Christmas festival lights up our village
by the Rev Andy Norris, rector, Alverstoke
Our church will once again host its popular Christmas Tree Festival at the start of December – and you’re warmly invited to come along!
St Mary’s Church in Green Road, Alverstoke, has now established the Christmas Tree Festival as a highlight of the local calendar. It brings together residents, schools, charities and local community groups to celebrate the start of the festive season.
This year it takes place from Thursday 4th December to Sunday, December 7. More than 70 Christmas trees will be on display inside the church, each individually decorated by one of these local organisations and businesses.
The result is a colourful and creative showcase of community spirit that attracts hundreds of visitors each day of the festival. There are such a variety of ways to make each tree look unique, and the overall effect is magical.
The festival will open with a lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 4 from 6.15pm to 7.30pm, which you are welcome to join us for.
The times when the church is open to the public to see the decorated trees are – on Friday, from 3.30pm to 7pm; on Saturday from 11am to 6pm; and on Sunday from 12noon to 6pm – after our morning services have finished.
There will be a variety of festive performances from local choirs and musicians taking place throughout the weekend, with quieter periods included for those who prefer a calm visit.
Admission remains £3 for adults, with free entry for children accompanied by an adult. We have kept prices at the same level as previous years!
Visitors can also enjoy refreshments in the parish centre across the road on Saturday and Sunday, including hot drinks, soup, sausage rolls, snacks and homemade cakes.
The event is organised and staffed by a large team of volunteers, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helps make it happen each year.
The Christmas Tree Festival is open to everyone and offers a warm, festive experience in the heart of Alverstoke. And of course, it leads directly into the season of Christmas carols and events in our three churches – St Mary’s, St Francis and St Faith – which you can find out more about on www.stmarysalverstoke.org.uk
We look forward to sharing the joy of Christmas with you across Alverstoke this December.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, Green Road, Alverstoke, Gosport, PO12 2ET