Fifty Christmas trees festival at Norfolk church
 2010: If you have ever wondered how to get 50 fully decorated Christmas trees into a church, then Dickleburgh in South Norfolk is the place to go in December.
Dickleburgh Church is one of the best places to visit in Norfolk in December to be infused with the Christmas spirit. This beautiful 15th century church is hosting the seventh annual Christmas extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church from Sunday, December 5 to Sunday, December 12, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on Sunday, December 12 for the prize giving).
This year’s festival has a special theme, the Heavens at Jesus’ birth. Lighting above the trees will recreate the position of the stars and planets. Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations.
The Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, will officially open the event at 5pm on Saturday, December 4. The opening will include a performance of Rwandan Christmas Carols by Illuminée Nganemariya and the Benefice choir.
Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: "I love the Christmas trees - it is a good week for me! The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave."
The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. In addition, the Nick Arnull Plate will be awarded to the most innovative tree.
Admission is adults £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75 and children free. All money raised will be shared by Connects & Co, a Norwich-based charity supporting young carers and the parish churches that comprise the Benefice of Dickleburgh and the Pulhams – Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thelveton, Shimpling and Frenze.
Further details
- Light lunches and teas are served in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church)
- All day breakfast will be on offer on Saturday 11 December
- Sunday lunches on both Sundays
- Father Christmas will also be making daily appearances throughout the festival.
- Christmas Crafts on sales
- Good car parking at the church
- Dickleburgh is just off the A140 to the north of Diss. The church is on The Street, Dickleburgh’s main thoroughfare
For more information tel. 01379 854245 www.50christmastrees.com.
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