Baubles and crackers onchurch's charity trees

The annual Christmas Tree Festival is due to take place at Fareham Methodist Church, in King’s Road, Fareham, from Thursday, December 1 until Saturday, December 3.

The event is in its 16th year and sees community groups and associations decorate trees to represent different themes to raise awareness of good causes and charities.

Organisers Janice and Alan Sargent, from Fareham, have been busy planning the event.

Alan said: ‘We are expecting to have 23 trees all representing all sorts of charities.

‘We will be open Thursday and Friday from 10am until 5pm and then on Saturday from 10am until 4pm.

‘Entrance costs £2 for adults, which includes a delicious mince pie, and it is free for children.

‘We hope to see everyone there.’

Visitors are each given a token so they can vote for their favourite tree.

The winners receive a share of all the entrance fees taken over the three days.

The trees are also judged by a team of experts, with the judges’ favourite also winning a prize.

The deputy mayor of Fareham, councillor Geoff Fazackarley, and deputy mayoress Tina Fazackarley, will be presenting the prizes at 3pm on the Saturday afternoon.

Anybody of any age can enter a tree, with some people creating a tree on their own for their chosen charities.

This year there are knitted designs, hand-crafted baubles, crackers – anything goes. From bees to butterflies, and even trains and planes, each group has picked its own theme.

Last year saw entries from various WI groups, play schools and nurseries, charities, schools, churches and community groups.

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