Preparations begin for Melton's annual Christmas Tree Festival
Organisers of the annual Melton Mowbray Christmas Tree Festival are encouraging local people to start thinking of their entry for this year.
The event, which takes place at the town’s historic St Mary’s Church, traditionally features hundreds of individually themed and decorated twinkling trees submitted by local businesses, community groups, charities, schools and sports clubs.
Anyone interested in entering a tree can apply for an entry form at the parish office on Burton Street these will be sent out from Monday of next week (September 21).
It is worth getting your entry in as soon as possible because there is limited floor space and it soon fills up.
Helen Bett, one of the organisers, said: “This year will see a few changes to make the event in St Mary’s Church even better than before, and more accessible to a greater number of people.
"Hundreds of trees with non-flashing lighting will welcome visitors and, of course, there will be Christmas music in the background.
"As usual, refreshments will be available each day and there will also be carol services with the choir, for families and friends.”
Preview evening for the event will be on Thursday November 26 at 7pm, where the lights will be switched on at 7.30pm.
The festival opens to the public from 9am to 9pm the following day, coinciding with the annual Victoria Fayre and the festive lights switch on in the town centre.
Viewings will continue every day from 9am through to 2pm on Tuesday December 1.
Entry fee to see the trees will be £3 for adults.