Christmas trees return to Fakenham Church

Fakenham’s renowned Christmas Tree Festival returns again this week, and expects to draw crowds from across the country. This year 70 charities will be taking part and there will be 75 trees. Tony Rothe reports.

 
The festival, at Fakenham Parish Church, is now in its fifteenth year, and will run from Thursday December 3 to Thursday December 10 between 10am and 8pm daily except the Sunday when the times are 12 noon to 8pm following the Festival service at 10.30am.
 
This popular event attracted 21,000 people last year and attracted a number of coaches en route to Thursford. Around £19,000 was raised for charity - mostly in small coins! During the last 14 years nearly £300,000 has been donated to charities taking part.
 
Inside there will be a Christmas Bazaar selling a wide range of Christmas goods, including Christmas cakes and cards, a Tombola and a Grand Draw. Prayers will be said hourly on the half-hour for the charities and there will be four Prayer Trees where people can write and leave their own prayers.
 
 There is disabled access throughout the Church and toilet provision as well as a baby changing unit. All ages are welcome to this family occasion, and the festival will be clearly sign-posted in the town.
 
Entrance to the Festival is free but those attending are invited to bring a bag of coins to place at the charity trees of their choice. Coach parties need to book in advance with the Festival Office.
 
According to Norfolk Tourist Board, ‘This is a spectacular event not to be missed’
 
There is ample parking in Fakenham and visitors may like to browse around Fakenham’s wide range of shops, including a large department store. Advice will be available on local accommodation.
 
To find out more, telephone the Festival Office 07999 532002 or log on to the Festival website at www.fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk

The email address is fakenhamparishchurch@gmail.com
 

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North-west Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorfolk.co.uk with details and, if possible, a suitable picture.