ORGANISERS of a Barry seasonal festival have jumped ahead of the supermarket giant queue to lay their festive cards on the table.

Barry churches have announced details of their third Christmas Tree Festival this year.

The Parish of Cadoxton-Juxta-Barry is now seeking community groups, individuals, businesses and schools to put their unique spin on trees to be displayed in the Church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Holton Road, during the festival.

The tree festival will take place from Wednesday, December 10 to Saturday, December 13, when visitors can view the trees.

Vale AM Jane Hutt, Barry town council mayor, Cllr Jeff Evans and Vale Council mayor, Cllr Howard Hamilton will judge according to originality with a certificate presented at the end of the week.

The three categories will be schools, local organisations, and young people.

The festival will kick off on Wednesday, December 10 at 6.30pm with the Christmas light switch-on, followed by a musical evening of events from children in the town.

Tickets will cost £5 with free attendance for all children.

The Christmas Tree Festival takes place on December 11, 12 and 13.

The church opens to visitors on December 11 and 12 from 10am to 4.30pm and on December 13 from 10.30am to 2pm.

Entry to view the trees costs £2.50 with children admitted free and refreshments available.

Father Christmas has diary-dated Saturday, December 13, to interrupt his busy schedule to do breakfast from 9am to 10.15am.

Tickets cost £5 for a breakfast of fruit, cereals, toast and soft drinks with every child receiving a gift from Santa before the church opens from 10.30am to 1.30pm for tree viewing.

A concert at 3pm will see the judges announce the competition winners and concert tickets, including seasonal refreshments, cost £5.

St Mary’s Church people’s warden, Susan Borges said: “Many school choirs will be visiting us during this festival for us to listen to their wonderful voices, while we enjoy the beauty of the many trees.

“Last year we had over 50 trees all with a different theme.

“Programmes will be available that will be enable all to understand the meanings and reason for the many trees.”

She added: “We look forward to hearing from all those who would like to display a tree. This festival is being put together again this year for the people of Barry to take part and to enjoy.”

A donation will be made to a local charity from the proceeds of the festival.

For details, or to display a tree, call Susan on 01446 747928 or 07866 078665 or email borges888@btinternet.com