THE annual Christmas Tree festival is returning to a Penarth church this December.

The festival will return to St Augustine's Church on Saturday, December 9, from 11am until 5pm, and from midday until 5pm the following day.

Last year was the first event since before the coronavirus pandemic, and now it is set to return.

More than 45 trees will be on display this year, and visitors can expect a stunning display.

Robert Court, festival organiser said: “We are delighted for it to return this year, last year we were really pleased with the success of it, because we had about 1,500 people through the door.

“We used to have it every year until the pandemic put a stop to that, and so we weren’t too sure about how well it was going to go once we restarted again.

“But it was successful, and we have more trees than we did last year which are decorated in all sorts of ways with people getting creative.”

This year a variety of local music groups will be providing seasonal entertainment, as well as refreshments and homemade produce.

The event is also a competition and trees have been entered in categories for schools in the town, businesses, local groups, and individuals. There is also a Visitors’ Prize which everyone can vote for.

Mr Court added: “The trees are in different categories with a prize certificate for first place, second place, third place as well as an overall winner. So, trees get judged and usually it a very standout winner.”

The festival always supports three charities from around the world, one global, one national and one local.

This year’s charities are Nells Point Coastal Station in Barry, The Gardening with Disabilities Trust and Joy of Learning in Uganda. Admission to the Christmas Tree festival is £3 for adults and children are free.