ST THOMAS’S Church in Salisbury is going to be filled with a colourful array of Christmas tree as its popular festive festival returns.

The Decorated Tree Festival opens on Tuesday, December 3, and will feature more than 100 trees and nativity scenes.

The event, which attracts visitors in their thousands, runs until Sunday, December 8. Entry is free.

Local organisations, companies and individuals will all apply their talents and loving care to create an array of Christmas festivity and celebration – all to raise money for nominated local charities.

This year Care Home Volunteers and Family Counselling Trust are the featured local causes.

Last year, more than 15,000 visitors came along to the festival contributing more than £15,000 to charity.

A spokesperson for St Thomas’s Church said: “Every year visitors are amazed and inspired by the wonderful creativity and ingenuity on view and how this seems to capture all that is best and most meaningful about Christmas.”

In addition to the festive display local choirs, ensembles and individual musicians are going to be providing a programme of seasonal music and entertainment.

And visitors to the church’s festival can also enjoy some seasonal treats in the refectory.

Last year, festival organisers introduced special Christmas workshops based on seasonal themes, which is once again a feature for this year’s event with Christmas wreath and table decoration workshops.

The Decorated Tree Festival marks the start of Christmas celebrations at St Thomas’s Church.

On December 14, there is the Children’s Christingle Service, followed on December 22 by the traditional Carol’s by Candlelight early evening service. And Carols for busy people, with mulled wine and mince pies, is being held on December17 from 1.10pm. The festive period at the church culminates with Midnight Mass on December 24 and the family service on Christmas Day.

For further details about the events go to stthomassalisbury.co.uk