More than 200 entries for this year's Melton Mowbray Christmas Tree Festival

The always spectacular annual display opens to the public on Friday November 27 from 9.30am – it will be open that day until 9pm and the launch coincides with the town’s Christmas lights being switched on and the start of the three-day Victorian festive market.

The tree festival, which is once again at the iconic St Mary’s Church, runs through until Tuesday December 1 at 2pm.

Helen Bett, one of the organisers, said: “Lots of work is going on behind the scenes to plan the lay-out so that visitors can see the displays in all their glory.”

As usual there is a preview evening for the festival, which takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday November 26, with cheese and wine served to attendees.

Tickets for this special gathering cost £10 and they will be on sale from the Parish Office in Burton Street every morning from 10am to noon, with entry £3 for adults when it is open to the public.

The festival opens 9.30am to 4pm on the Saturday with a family service accompanied by a choir to be held among the trees at 6pm – the church will close at the end of this.

On Sunday, people can enjoy the trees from 9am to 4pm, with an Advent Carol Service scheduled at 6pm, followed by cake and wine – the tree lights will not be on during this service.

Opening hours for the Monday are 9.30am to 9pm, with mulled wine and mince pies available from 5pm.