Emmanuel Church Christmas Tree Festival draws large crowds

Dec 17 2009 Ormskirk Advertiser

ABOUT 800 people flocked to Emmanuel Christian Church in Ormskirk to enjoy the church’s annual Christmas Tree Festival.

More than 30 trees were beautifully decorated for the occasion and people really enjoyed seeing the displays.

As well as various church organisations, trees were decorated by the staff from the Mayor of West Lancashire’s Parlour, Ormskirk and Maghull Lions Club, Ormskirk Soroptimists, the local National Trust, the Sitting in Service, and Derby Street Ducklings.

Other organisations were Fair Trade, Asmall Primary School and Cedar Farm Floristry Display.

Organist Daniel Wakefield performed at a concert for the church to help celebrate the festival.

The U3A Bell Ringers and a Barber Shop Quartet took part and there were carols, and songs, interspersed with Christmas readings and poems.

The festival was opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of West Lancashire Cllr Geoff Roberts and his wife Eileen. MP Rosie Cooper was among the guests.

Father Christmas came to help the festivities go with a swing. A farmers and Christmas Market took place throughout the festival. About £5,000 was raised for church funds.

Minister, Rev Melvyn Kelly, said: “It was a great success on many levels. The team work by members of the Church was outstanding. The wonderful spirit of fellowship at Emmanuel was apparent through all three days.”

People are being invited to come to see the Christmas tree festival at Ormskirk Parish Church.

About a dozen trees will be on display and people will be able to see those that have been so beautifully decorated by local groups.

The building is open between 10am and 4pm on Satuday, December 19, 1pm and 4pm on Sunday, December 20 and 10am-4pm on Thursday, December 17.