Church tree festival proves festive hit
The creativity of the community was on display at a West Bromwich church's annual Christmas Tree Festival.
Wesley Methodist Church, off High Street, hosted the festival for the fourth year in a row on Saturday.
More than 20 trees have been uniquely decorated by community groups, youth organisations, clubs and local schools.
It will also had a Memory Tree as the centrepiece of the display – where visitors could commemorate special events or remember loved ones by writing on a decoration to hang on the tree, for a small donation. The money raised through the Memory Tree will be donated to Acorns Children's Hospice.
The festival also include a Christmas fair and a festive carol concert in the evening.
Rory Green, one of the event's organisers, said: "This is our fourth Christmas Tree Festival and we had 26 trees decorated by various organisations in the church including the Boys Brigade, Girl Guides and Ladies Circle, and we also had local schools taking part including Phoenix Collegiate Academy.
"We had around 800 people through the church doors for the Christmas Tree Festival. We also had a Christmas fair selling different items, a tombola and refreshments, while a carol concert will take place in the evening.
"With the Memory Tree we have also been raising money for Acorns Children's Hospice. Visitors can buy a decoration to hang on the tree to remember their loved ones or special events.
"We have had a lot of positive reaction from people coming in to see the Christmas trees. We had one tree made out of Lego, a tree made out of tinned cans which will be donated to the foodbank afterwards and one tree decorated in gloves and hats which will be donated to the homeless after the festival.
"All being well we hope to bring the Christmas Tree Festival event back for 2020."
