Liverpool Knowsley Village Christmas Tree Festival launch

by Tony McConville. Published Wed 18 Nov 2009 13:21

St Mary's Church, Knowsley Village, is to welcome a host of special guests to celebrate its first ever Christmas Tree Festival.

On Friday 11th December at 10.30am, the Earl and Countess of Derby will open the festival, which features thirty Christmas trees decorated by local schools, organisations and businesses.

On opening day, the church will be open until 6pm to allow people to view the trees.

On Saturday December 12th, the church will be open from 10.30am-6.00pm, and in the evening will welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead for a special concert given by St Helen’s Youth Brass Band (7.30pm, tickets £5 and £3).

The festival will be closed on December 13th by the new Bishop of Warrington, Bishop Richard Blackburn, with a service at 3.30pm to which all are welcome. Music will also be provided by The Lyndale Singers.

All proceeds will go to Willowbrook Hospice, The Salvation Army and St Mary’s.

Helen Clarey, Church Warden at St Mary’s Church, Knowsley said, “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming such esteemed guests to our Christmas Tree Festival.

"The festival has proven to be a great way for different sections of the community to come together for one cause – to raise money for charity this Christmas time.

"We would encourage as many people as possible to come along and see the wonderful work and effort that has gone into decorating the trees, each of which reflects the organisation that has produced it.”

A festival admission charge of £2 includes a programme which contains a short history each organisation that has produced a Christmas tree, with all proceeds going to the named charities.