Market Harborough’s St Dionysus Church gearing up for Christmas tree festival this November
A Grade I listed church in the centre of Market Harborough will transform into a winter wonderland for its second annual Christmas tree festival.
St Dionysus Church is preparing to host its festival from Friday, November 27, to Tuesday, December 1, with this year's theme as ‘winter wonderland’.
For its inaugural event in 2025, the church was adorned with 40 decorated trees.
Organisers are hoping to have 60 this year. The church is calling on businesses, charities, church groups and community organisations to decorate trees in keeping with the 2026 theme.
Committee chair Samantha Peverett said: "People had the most amazing imaginations. We had Christmas trees with big peacock feathers coming out of the top. All sorts of different ideas people had.
“It was really lovely."
The five-day festival will raise money for St Dionysus Church's refurbishment and renovation work, as well as charity Harborough Against Bullying (HAB).
Samantha explained: "We're very lucky to have a Grade I listed building sitting right in the heart of our town.
"Old buildings take a lot of looking after, don't they?"
Award-winning author Tamsin Winter will open the St Dionysius Christmas Tree Festival at 1pm on November 27.
She will also hold a free writing workshop for children based on the trees at the festival on Saturday, November 28, between 9am and 10am.
And for the first time in two years, visitors will be able to go up the church tower - between 12pm and 3pm.
Guests can also hear songs sung by Welsh soprano Tesni Jones, who will perform at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Those who are itching to get into the festive spirit ahead of the festival can enjoy a pre-Christmas musical showcase on Thursday, November 26, at 7pm.
The evening will feature music from Handel's Messiah, alongside works by Brahms and Mozart, performed by choirs, soloists and a chamber orchestra. Tickets are available through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-festive-musical-showcase-tickets-2003421276970 - and include a complimentary glass of wine.
The church will also have a large Winter Wonderland-themed Lego display, a festive backdrop for pictures, children’s activities and refreshments.
Entry costs £3 and children can go for free.
Samantha added: "It's a wonderful thing to be part of.
"I'd encourage people to come along and support something that's happening in their local community."