50-Christmas-Trees-Dickleburgh-2012

The 10th annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, at All Saints Dickleburgh returns from Sunday, December 1 to Sunday, December 8, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on December 8 for prize giving).

This year’s theme is The Nativity and the festival is supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care www.mariecurie.org.uk. Entry is adult £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75, children under 16 free.

Stewart White from BBC Look East will officially open 50 Christmas Trees in a Church at 5pm on Saturday, November 30.

norman-steer-with-Annie-Chapman

Event organiser Rev’d Norman Steer, who is retiring from the role after organising all 10 festivals so far 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.”

Fourteen organisations who took part in the first festival in 2004 will be at Dickleburgh this year: Dickleburgh Primary School, Dickleburgh Good Companions. All Saints Church Dickleburgh, Dickleburgh Bell Ringers, Pulham Market Church, Pulham Brownies, Pulham St Mary Trailblazers, Pulhams Playgroup, St Mary’s Church & Daphne Buxton Memorial Fund Rushall, St Margaret’s Church Starston, Starston Pealers, St Andrew’s Church Thelveton, Harleston Primary School and Harleston Lions.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses, community organisations and children’s groups. 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. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140; All Saints Dickleburgh postcode is IP21 4NQ. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245, www.50christmastrees.com.