St Luke's Church Christmas Tree Festival returns for fifth year

A festive forest in miniature has been helping a church raise money for charity.

The fifth annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Luke’s Church, in Norfolk Road, Maidenhead, looks set to collect at least £400 for the Thames Valley Hospice.

A range of businesses, charities and individuals each made a donation to set up their own personalised tree around the church, with visitors invited to leave offerings at their favourite.

The event started on Friday with a lunchtime concert by the River City Saxes saxophone quartet and visits from primary school children.

Saturday saw a visit by Home Secretary Theresa May, who viewed her own tree set up near the front of the church and decorated with baubles showing the faces of her government colleagues.

And the festival ended on Sunday with a final chance for visitors to view the exhibition and a short service led by parish priest Rev Sally Lynch.

Speaking about the event, she said: ”This is our fifth time and it really seems to have taken off this year - word has obviously got around.

“It’s slowly grown up and this looks like our biggest yet.It’s just lovely for people to be able to come in and have some time just for Christmas.”