WALLINGFORD’S first Christmas Tree Festival was opened at St Mary’s Church last week.

Youth ambassador Alice Walkey, a member of 2nd Wallingford Scouts, launched the event on Thursday, with festivities running until Sunday.

Festival committee member Val Wolsey said: “The value of it is that it’s going to bring the community into the church and we’re keen to be seen to be a part of the community.

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“We restricted the number of trees this year as we still had to leave room for all the people.

“As it is our first year we are feeling our way.”

Each tree was decorated to depict a carol or a song and festival goers are invited to try to guess each tree’s theme. At 7.30pm on Saturday, Wallingford Parish Church Choir gave a traditional Christmas concert.

All proceeds went St Mary’s Church funds, the Home Start charity and East Cheshire Hospice.

The festival closed with a Christingle service at 3.30pm on Sunday.

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