THOUSANDS attended Penarth's annual Christmas Tree Festival across the two-day event at St Augustine’s Church last weekend.

The festival returned to the church at St Augustine’s Place on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 8.

A record-breaking crowd of 2,000 people attended the event, and the event raised £4,000 for three charities.

More than 45 Christmas trees were on display from seven categories that entered them into the competition.

Organiser Robert Court said: “We were delighted with the generous support the festival received from the community of Penarth and beyond.

Penarth Times: Over 45 decorated trees were on display at the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Robert CourtOver 45 decorated trees were on display at the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Robert Court (Image: Robert Court)“There was a great atmosphere and the church looked wonderful. It was a thrill to hear people say ‘Oh Wow’ as they entered the church.

“The refreshments on offer were also a huge success. Everything was prepared and staffed by Ann Lush and her team, with all the local produce on sale selling out quickly.”

The money raised will be split between Nells Point Coastal Station, Barry, The Gardening with Disabilities Trust, and The Joy of Learning in Uganda.

Winners of Tree Awards

Business Category:

  • Gold – Sugar Plum Fairy, Anthea King School of Dancing;
  • Silver – The Peace Tree Lily pad;
  • Bronze – How Time Flies, Rowley’s the Jewellers.

Penarth Times: Gold winner of the business category at the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Robert Court Gold winner of the business category at the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Robert Court (Image: Robert Court)

Charity Category:

  • Gold – The Christmas Musical – Take 2 Patagonia Instrument Projected;
  • Silver – Save Our Traff this Christmas, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales;
  • Bronze - Christmas is Good News, Morel Court MHA.

Penarth Times: Gold winner of the Charity Category – The Christmas Musical – Take 2 Patagonia Instrument Projected. Picture: Robert CourtGold winner of the Charity Category – The Christmas Musical – Take 2 Patagonia Instrument Projected. Picture: Robert Court (Image: Robert Court)Children Category:

  • Gold – Helping Hands, Victoria Primary School Nursery;
  • Silver – What Christmas Means, Albert Primary School;
  • Bronze – Our Education, Vale of Glamorgan Home Education Community.

Penarth Times: Gold Winner of the Children's Category: Victoria Primary School Nursery class. Picture: Robert CourtGold Winner of the Children's Category: Victoria Primary School Nursery class. Picture: Robert Court (Image: Robert Court)

Family Category:

  • Gold - A ‘Toye’ Story (by the Toye Family);
  • Silver: 100 Years of Disney, Pat Hoare and Family.

Group Category:

  • Gold –Treecycle, Penarth Methodist Women’s Fellowship;
  • Silver – The Greatest of these is LOVE, Eden Church Penarth;
  • Bronze – Conversation, Companionship and Cake! St Augustine’s Churchyard Maintenance Team.

Penarth Times: Gold winners of the group category–Treecycle Penarth Methodist Women’s Fellowship. Picture: Robert LloydGold winners of the group category–Treecycle Penarth Methodist Women’s Fellowship. Picture: Robert Lloyd (Image: Robert Court)

Organisation Category:

  • Gold – Tree of Inspiration, Stanwell School (RVE Department);
  • Silver: It’s a Cone Cone Christmas – Penarth Sea Cadets;
  • Bronze: Christmas at the Woodland Library – Penarth Library.

Penarth Times: Gold winner of the Organisation Category: – Tree of Inspiration Stanwell School (RVE Department) . Picture: Robert CourtGold winner of the Organisation Category: – Tree of Inspiration Stanwell School (RVE Department) . Picture: Robert Court (Image: Robert Court)

Public Vote:

  • Gold – Conservation, Companionship and Cake! St Augustine’s Churchyard;
  • Silver – Treecycle Penarth Methodist Women’s Fellowship;
  • Bronze – Swan Lake Performing Arts Academy Wales.