AN estimated 1,000 visitors flooded through the doors of St Cross Church over the weekend to take in the fifth biennial Christmas Tree Festival.

The Grade II-listed church was adorned with around 60 trees, decorated by members of the community from groups to schools and businesses.

Organised by Grahame Nairn and supported by the Knutsford Lions – as well as a Knutsford Town Council grant – the weekend also included musical entertainment and stalls including a refreshments ‘lounge’.

St Cross Revd Paul Deakin said: “Knutsford is such a community-minded place, and what we are seeking to do is bring people together.

“It’s an historic building and it’s a chance for people to appreciate that, and there is a general feeling of lovely support when while the festival is taking place.

"It was a tremendous success – we couldn’t have asked for a better festival.”

Among those to provide a soundtrack to the weekend were choirs from Yorston Lodge, Egerton and Manor Park primary schools. The festival concluded with a community carol concert.

Proceeds from the event went to the Lions, to support their work in the community.

Visitors included town mayor Cllr Peter Coan, May Queen Sophie Howarth, and Tatton MP Esther McVey

Ms McVey said: “I was delighted to have been invited to the Christmas Tree Festival. It is such an amazing display and reminder of the great work going on around the town.

“More than 40 wonderful trees adorned a beautiful listed church building, each decorated by a local community group, charity or company reflecting what they do. Not only was it magical and festive but it showed how important community is to Knutsford.

“All the trees were outstanding, there were shuttlecock decorations from the Badminton Club, fluffy lambs from the Lambing Shed farm shop and hand prints from the toddler group.

“If I had to pick a favourite this year it would have been the tree in remembrance of the end of the First World War, which had all the names of the fallen of Knutsford on it.”