Melton Mowbray's Christmas Tree Festival raises nearly £25k
Organisers say almost £25,000 was raised by this year’s spectacular Christmas Tree Festival in Melton Mowbray.
Hundreds of twinkling trees were once again entered this year by local charities, businesses, schools, organisations, clubs, community groups and individuals from across the borough.
Members of the public paid a small entrance fee to view the festival, in St Mary’s Church, between November 28 and 30, after a preview evening with a drink and a mince pie for £10 on the Thursday.
The Christmas Tree Festival committee said in a message afterwards: "Thanks to all who helped in any way – your support was invaluable.
"We ended up with 299 Christmas trees, a very appreciated quiet area in the chancel and a magnificent sum of £23,600.”
An impressive 10,000 adults and over 3,000 children passed through the church door over the four-and-a-half days of the festival.
Helen Bett, from St Mary’s Church, said: “This year was the most successful ever, and that of course is down to all our visitors and their children.
"Visitors came from far and wide, not just Leicestershire and Melton itself, but from all over the midlands, from Yorkshire and even as far away as Devon.
“The money raised was worth all the hard work by our volunteers.
“We will be able to make a significant donation to Christian charities, local, national and international.
“The remainder will support the general upkeep of our historic building, particularly the heating and lighting during these dark winter months.”
She added: “A very big thank you to everyone who came and we look forward to seeing you next year.”