Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival draws in the crowds

Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival 2015 (Image: Archant)

The event at All Saints’ Church showcased a range of different local organisations, from schools to bridge clubs.

Now in its 13th year, the specially-decorated trees, from the minimalist to the intricate, were on display across last weekend and attracted more than 2,100 visitors from as far afield as Canada and Australia. There was also live music and children’s activities.

Organisers are still counting up the money raised from the festival, but hope to beat last year’s total of more than £9,000 which will go towards the upkeep of the Grade I-listed 12th Century church.

Co-chairman of the organisers Elizabeth Foss-Smith said: “We are very pleased our visitor numbers were up on last year and that the sum raised will be as much, if not more than in 2014.

Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival 2015 (Image: Archant)

“We’ve been heartened by all the wonderful comments we’ve received and I would like to say a huge thank you to the 300 plus-volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

“This truly is an event run for the community by the community, which helps bring the meaning of Christmas to everyone, young or old.”

More than 100 trees were on display, of which 84 were entered into a competition to find the best created by individuals and groups in both child and adult age categories with the public voting for their favourites.

Among the entries were a special “living” tree, in which volunteers dressed as a Christmas tree and helped to raise £200 for the Bishop of Chelmsford’s appeal in support of Syrian refugees joining communities in the diocese.

Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival 2015 (Image: Archant)

The winners included Forestree from the Colne Community College Craft and Garden Club, The Night before Christmas by the Hamilton family, and The Night before Christmas by Woolybuly’s Craft Group.