A CHURCH in Winsford will be transformed into an arena of light and colour for a weekend of festive activities.

St Chad's Church is holding its first Christmas Tree Festival from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6.

Families, organisations, groups and businesses across Winsford are being invited to provide and decorate a tree as part of the event and the trees, both traditional and creative, will be displayed during the three days.

The church will be open daily from 10am to 5pm with light refreshments served and crafts for sale as well as a tombola and grand Christmas draw.

Trees can be dropped off at the church from10am to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday, December 3.

Other activities throughout the festival include a children's celebration service, live music and seasonal services.

The Children's Celebration Service for St Nicholas, the patron saint of young people, and St Boniface, who is reputed to have established the tradition of the Christmas tree, takes place at 1.30pm on Friday, December 4.

On Saturday, December 5, there will be live music will be provided by St Chad's Music Group, VOCEL Community Choir and Cheshire Police Band.

St Chad’s organist, William Silversides, and the Police Band will accompany a service at 4pm, led by Bishop Keith Sinclair, the Bishop of Birkenhead.

On Sunday, December 6, a service of Holy Communion takes place at 8.45am, followed by Family Communion at 10am, when new pew cushions, donated in memory of the late Tom McDean and made by church members, will be dedicated.

The festival draws to a close at 4pm with an all-age Christingle Service, in which pupils from St Chad’s School will participate.

For more information and a booking form for a tree contact Jane Peck on 01606 557 293 or email jane@peck22.fsnet.co.uk.