St Mary-le-Tower church in the centre of Ipswich will once again be hosting its annual Grand Christmas Tree Festival from 6^th to 11^th December. Many local organisations, community groups, local charities, businesses and church groups are taking part. Participants will decorate trees on their own themes and interests and there are over 70 submitted so far.

This year entrance to the festival is free and there are additional ticketed events. A new glossy programme will guide visitors around the festival. Tempting refreshments will be available from the Festival Café during opening hours. Further details are available from www.ipswichtreefestival.org.uk.

Gala Opening Event

On Thursday 5^th December at 7pm organisers are delighted that the Mayor, Councillor Hamil Clarke will formally open the festival. Guests will be treated to some seasonal music by the Choir of St Mary-le-Tower. Tickets cost £10 including a sumptuous buffet and a glass of wine. The proceeds will be split between St Mary-le-Tower and the Dame Vera Lynn Trust, one of the Mayor’s charities.

A Christmas Carol

We are pleased to be hosting a traditional reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by local actor/director Edward Max. The performance takes place at 7pm on Friday 6^th December and mulled wine and mince pies (donated by Victoria’s Bakery) will be available. Tickets £8 adults, £5 students from Tourist Information, St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich or the Festival Office on 07717 277155, [email protected].

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Jazz Night

Following on from last year’s sell-out performance, John Petters New Orleans All Stars will be performing ‘Walkin’ With The King’, a foot tapping, hand-clapping celebration of praise, New Orleans style, hymns, spirituals and hot gospel music with a real Dixieland beat on Saturday 7^th December at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (under 16s £5) from Music World, 16 Queen Street, Ipswich or the Festival Office on 07717 277155, [email protected].

Songs of Praise

On Sunday 8^th December we will be holding a service of Songs of Praise amongst the decorated trees at 6.30pm with some favourite carols and hymns.

Canon Charles Jenkin, Vicar at St Mary-le-Tower says:

“Our Grand Christmas Tree Festival celebrates the communities we serve, and there is a wonderful variety of amazing trees. Many people just walk by this beautiful church week by week but never come in, so this festival is about drawing them in for something that has a real wow factor. We really look forward to welcoming them.”

Opening Times

Thursday 5^th December: Launch Event from 7pm

Friday 6^th December: 10am to 5pm – Festival open to the public

Saturday 7^th December: 10am to 6pm – Festival open to the public

Sunday 8^th December: Normal Sunday services at 8am, 9.30am and 10.30am

12.30pm to 5pm – Festival open to the public

6.30pm – Songs of Praise amongst the trees

Monday 9^th December: 10am to 6pm – Festival open to the public

Tuesday 10^th December: 10am to 12.30pm noon – Festival open to the public

1.10pm – Lunchtime concert

2.30pm to 6pm – Festival open to the public

Wednesday 11^th December: 11.30am to 4pm – Festival open to the public