Recently, St Stephen’s Church Redditch joined with members of their local community to celebrate the results of their first Christmas Tree Festival with a drinks and nibbles reception.
The festival was a roaring success with thousands of people visiting the church to view and vote for their favourite trees, which had been decorated by various groups from around the community. Many people also took part in the Nativity experience around the church, whilst younger visitors had the opportunity to enjoy and take away an exciting game about the Nativity story.
Over £900 was raised for the 26 local charities who were represented at the festival. With a total of 282 votes and £300 in donations, Redditch and Bromsgrove Guide Dogs for the Blind Association won the competition with their amazing Nativity scene tree. Joint second place and a donation of £100 each was awarded to both Redditch Cancer Research Shop and Redditch Association for the Blind for their fabulous memory and sensory trees.
Elaine Whitfield, churchwarden at St Stephen’s, said, “With people already registering their interest and planning their trees for the Christmas 2020 festival, we are looking forward to seeing the innovative designs and giving a warm welcome to all!”
