Newark Christmas Tree Festival in Newark Parish Church to return bigger and better than ever

A popular Christmas tree festival will make it’s return this weekend, bigger and better than ever.

The grand interior of Newark Parish Church will once again transform into a festive forest of delights as Newark Christmas Tree Festival returns for the 15th time.

Schools, charities, community groups, businesses and individuals from across the area have been hard at work designing and decorating their own trees ready for the public to see.

And this year there will be more trees than ever before, with 154 scattered throughout the grade-1 listed building, growing from last year’s record breaking total of 137 trees.

The festival starts this Saturday, December 2 and will run until Sunday December 10.

Organiser Rita McCall, said: “We started out with 30 trees the first year we did it and it’s grown each year.

“It started out with just schools and children’s group, but we then started to get other charities, clubs and businesses involved.

“Now people visit and I always end up with a list of people that want to do a tree the next year.

“We have trees decorated by a whole range, from toddlers to care homes and everything in between.

“Some groups are taking part in the festival for the very first time and others have been coming every year.

It’s wonderful because as you walk through this magical forest, there is a lovely atmosphere and in each corner you will find something with different.”

For co-organiser, Nick Carter, this is his first year involved with the festival.

He said: “It’s a lovely thing to be a part of.

“Rita has been organising this for many years and it baffles me that she’s been able to it all alone because it takes a lot of work.

“But there is a real sense of community — its a great way for groups and charities to show off what they do and I hope people enjoy the festival.”

There is plenty to discover when walking through the sparkling pop up forest, from trees with imaginative themes or poignant messages, to fun ornaments and tree toppers including, life rings, hard hats, cricket helmets and footballs.

And be on the look out for a number of unique trees including one which sits on top of a model barge and a “tree” made out of copper pipes by students from Newark College.

Newark Palace Theatre are also putting on a show with their Snow White themed tree to celebrate the opening of this year’s panto, which begins on Friday, December 8.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the delights of the festival every day, Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4.30pm

All of the natural trees were grown and felled locally, ranging from 3ft to 7ft in height, and will be reused or recycled when the festival comes to an end.

The event is sponsored by Larkins and Tallents Solicitors.