Christmas trees take over Great Yarmouth Minster for festival

A small army of Christmas trees has taken over Great Yarmouth’s landmark church.

More than 50 Christmas trees have been set up in Great Yarmouth Minster and will be on display until December 17.

The trees have been created by community groups, charities, schools, businesses and individuals across the borough for the Great Yarmouth Minster Preservation Trust organised event.

The Christmas tree festival was opened at 10am today by Minster rector Rev Canon Simon Ward, Paul Davies from the preservation trust, Yarmouth mayor Kerry Robinson-Payne and her daughter and mayoral consort Niamh.

They enjoyed seeing all the trees, including one based under the sea, a train station-themed one, a display called A Horsewoman’s Christmas and a Royal British Legion tree of remembrance.

The group judged the trees, with the adult and children’s winners to be announced on Monday night at the civic carol service in the Minster.

Mr Ward praised the hard work that had gone into creating the trees and said the trees were like a window into the community.

Mrs Robinson-Payne has a tree at the festival, based on the theme of Christmas wishes.

It is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm and on Sundays is open 11am to 3pm. It costs £2 for adults to enter, children free.

All money raised will go the preservation and conservation of the Minster.

On Saturday. December 16 there is a special fun festival day.

Among the fun activities are games of skittles, a beanbag challenge, a chance to decorate ginger breadmen and Christmas oranges and cards and make an angel and tree decorations.

There will be also be a zip wire challenge where children’s favourite toys or teddies will be transported to the top of the inside roof, where Father Christmas will then give the brave bear or toy a present to take back.

It costs £2 to enter the special Saturday of fun event and some activities cost 50p to take part.