This weekend, Moira Centenary Methodist Church will be hosting Tree Fest '23's first ever Christmas Tree Festival.

The festival has been created by Tracey Brown and Kay Eley to help promote businesses, schools, clubs and organisations within the Moira and Donisthorpe communities.

The idea was inspired by a visit to Dronfield where Tracey came across a Christmas Tree Festival there and thought it would be a great idea to do something similar back home and so 'Tree Fest' was created.

Moira Centenary Methodist Church have agreed to kindly host the first event, but the ladies hope to alternate the event between the Methodist Church in Moira and St Johns Church in Donisthorpe.

It has since snowballed and Tracey and Kay are thrilled to have over 30 trees from local groups taking part.

"It really is chance to give local small enterprises, businesses and community groups the opportunity to showcase what they make or do and hopefully bring in more customers, volunteers or members" said Kay.

The Centenary Church are supporting the event by serving light lunches and refreshments over the course of the next two weekends.

The Church's own Christmas Fayre will take place on the first Saturday 25th November 10 am till 1pm with a variety of stalls, teas and cake available, so please do call in to support them.

Entry to the festival will be by donation only, so no fixed fee just what you can afford, as they would like as many people to come and view the trees as possible.

All monies raised will go towards the upkeep of the Church.

Tree Fest '23's own tree will be a gift tree taking donations of food, toiletries and Christmas treats which will all be taken to the Ashby Food Bank.

Alongside your more traditional trees, there are some fantastic alternative Christmas trees and the festival will be running on Saturday 25th November 10 am – 1pm and Sunday 26th November, Saturday 2nd December and Sunday 3rd December from 12 – 6 pm. All trees will be illuminated from 3 pm during opening hours.

So to get into the Festive Spirit, please pop along to see the amazing displays and get ready for some Christmas Magic – you won't be disappointed