CHRISTMAS fans are invited to savour a veritable forest as the third Christmas tree festival graces a Barry church next month.

St Mary’s Church, Holton Road, will kick off the Grand Opening Night at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 10, after judging has taken place of the Christmas Tree entries.

Vale mayor, Cllr Howard Hamilton, Barry Town mayor, Cllr Jeff Evans and AM Jane Hutt are scheduled to attend and stay for the Grand Opening Concert.

Vale AM, Jane Hutt will switching on the lights of the trees on display and light refreshments will follow to give everyone a chance to look at the trees displayed.

A concert, beginning at 7pm, will feature the talents of Cadoxton primary school choir, High Street primary school choir, and a solo by Eleri Borges with children from Cadoxton school returning to bang the drums.

Tickets cost £5 each for adults, with children free.

St Mary’s Church will then open from 10am to 4.30pm on the Thursday and Friday for people to view the many trees on display.

Susan Borges said: “So many wonderful trees, each with a different theme. Last year we have over 50 on display, a very magical sight. You will also be able to enjoy the voices of eight school choirs from various schools in Barry over the two day period.”

Father Christmas will park up his sleigh and drop in at 9am to enjoy some breakfast with the well-behaved girls and boys.

Anyone wishing to join the team is welcome.

Tickets cost £5 with a gift for every child.

A breakfast of cereals, toast and fresh fruit will be provided. The church is then open from 10.30am to 2pm for the viewing of trees.

The music and voices of St Donat’s Atlantic Chorale will take place at 3pm with folk songs from Geoff.

During the concert the winners of the Christmas Tree Festival will be announced and certificates will be presented to the winners of the three categories by Barry deputy town mayor, Cllr Rob Curtis, deputy Vale myor, Cllr Fred Johnson and Vale AM Jane Hutt.

Tickets cost £5 with children having free entrance.

Refreshments will be available throughout the concert.

Susan said: “We hope we can look forward to many visitors to our Festival, as we as a church organise this event for the community of Barry to enjoy. A donation from the festival will be made the Vale People’s First charity, which helps look after the needs of those with learning difficulties. They form outreach groups to enable help to go to those who cannot get to set classes.”

For information, ring Sue on 07866 078665.