Prepare for a magical event (From Penarth Times)

Prepare for a magical event

A CHRISTMAS tree festival, believed to be the first of its kind in Wales, is to take place in Penarth in December.

The event, at St Augustine's Church, runs on the 15th and 16th of December, with profits going to local children's charities LATCH and Ty Hafan, and to the parish of Penarth and Lavernock for work with youngsters.

On display in the church will be more than 40 fully decorated Christmas trees, each lit up in their own individual style.

The trees will be donated by organisations or individuals from the area, including schools, community groups, local businesses and even families.

People attending the event will be asked to state their favourite tree.

By the end of the weekend, a prize will be awarded to the winner.

During the festival there will be various musical entertainments organised by Robert Court, with refreshments available in the parish hall on the Sunday.

The event runs from 9am until 6pm on both days.

Brian Caswell, on the organising committee, said: "Last December, my wife Pauline and I were invited to a Christmas Tree festival at our former church, Holy Saviour, at Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

Magical

"It was a magical occasion. This was the fourth such festival and the idea had gone from strength to strength.

"During the weekend of the festival, over 2,000 visitors had attended and the twin aims of involving the local community with the church and raising money for local charities were well met."

He added: "We felt so enthusiastic about the idea that we put a proposal in to stage a similar event at St Augustine's."

* For more details on the festival in general, or entering a Christmas Tree, visit the official website at www.xmastreefest.f2s.com