Thursday, 25 November 2010

Dickleburgh – Fifty Christmas Trees in a Church



Dickleburgh Church is one of the best places to visit in Norfolk in December to be infused with the Christmas spirit. This beautiful 15th century church is hosting the seventh annual Christmas extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church from Sunday, December 5 to Sunday, December 12, open daily 10am to 7pm (closes 4pm on Sunday, December 12 for the prize giving).

This year’s festival has a special theme, the Heavens at Jesus’ birth. Lighting above the trees will recreate the position of the stars and planets. Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations.

The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. In addition, the Nick Arnull Plate will be awarded to the most innovative tree.

Admission is adults £3.50, senior citizens and concessions £3, pre-booked groups £2.75 and children free. All money raised will be shared by Connects & Co, a Norwich-based charity supporting young carers and the parish churches that comprise the Benefice of Dickleburgh and the Pulhams – Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thelveton, Shimpling and Frenze.

The Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford, will officially open 50 Christmas Trees in a Church at 5pm on Saturday, December 4. The opening will include a performance of Rwandan Christmas Carols by Illuminée Nganemariya (author of Miracle in Kigali) and the Benefice choir. Illuminée Nganemariya will also be at the church all day on Wednesday, December 8.

Father Christmas will be making daily appearances throughout the festival.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: “I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave.”

Light lunches and teas are served in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). All day breakfast will be on offer on Saturday 11 December and Sunday lunches on both Sundays. Christmas Crafts on sale; good car parking at the church. Dickleburgh is just off the A140 to the north of Diss. The church is on The Street, Dickleburgh’s main thoroughfare.

For more information tel. 01379 854245 http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

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