The church then has a Christmas Tree Festival. All the Clubs, Schools, Societies and Groups are asked to contribute a tree with a relevant theme. Our local drama group decorates one (well me, actually). This year our theme was "Costumes". I took photos of various costumes used over the last few productions and mounted them on card. This is the result.
It was not an unqualified success as I dropped it on the way to the church and lost various items. It is also rather small. Altogether there are over 50 trees in the church.
Finally Santa Clause comes to town in a sleigh drawn by several small reindeer. The children love this and the whole street is lined with families to watch the procession.They are led by a band followed by the 'elves' who collect money for various local charities.
The reindeer are then corralled so that they can be fed with carrots and the children can pet them. Santa leaves for his grotto where his dispenses gifts to 'deserving' children.
There is a hog roast in the church grounds and many of the restaurants set up stalls outside selling hot soup and snacks. Although it is a Sunday many of the shops are open and there is a lovely festive atmosphere.
Later in the evening there is music and fireworks.
