It’s December – which means it’s Christmas Tree Festival time once more at St John’s Church! Preparations are well in hand to set up the Festival ready for our visitors. This year, all the outdoor trees are already installed and brightly lit, as from Advent Sunday, 30 November, not just the Advent Tree by the West Porch.
The outdoor trees are free for viewing at any time – just walk past and enjoy them, especially when the daylight is fading! The admission fee to view the decorated indoor trees will be just £3 for adults and accompanied children enter free of charge.
Festival times:
Friday 12 December 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 13 December 10 am – 5 pm
with Carols Around the Outdoor Trees at 3 pm
Sunday 14 December 12 noon – 5 pm
with Star Flutes in the church 3 pm – 5 pm
Monday 15 December 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 16 December 10 am – 5 pm
There will be the usual Animal Trail for children throughout the festival, plus biscuit-icing on both Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December in the afternoon in the Children’s Room.
Saturday 13 December: The ever-popular Carols Around the Outdoor Trees will begin at the later time of 3pm this year. It will be a little darker and the tree lights will be even more twinkly! The usual refreshments will still be on sale in the hall and hot dogs and glühwein will be available from 2 pm – 4 pm outside. Vicar Mike will lead the carol singing, with the help of Director of Music, Keith Beniston, on the keyboard. The traditional carol singing had to move outside in the pandemic, and ever since then the singing among the outdoor trees has increased greatly in popularity to the point where it is very much a significant event on the Boxmoor Christmas calendar. Everyone can come along and sing their hearts out – there is plenty of room for all – and you could pop inside to see the indoor trees before or after the carols! Santa and the elves will come along after the carol singing and hand round sweets for all (Ho! Ho! Ho!).
Sunday 14 December: Star Flutes, a local group of musicians who play several different types of flute, and are regular visitors to St John’s, have kindly offered to come and play their beautiful music in the church from 3pm – 5pm.
Please, do come along to support the Festival when it opens and view the trees. Bring your families and friends too. It is a lovely way to kickstart your Christmas celebrations and help us in our fundraising!
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