CHRISTMAS has arrived at Salisbury Cathedral.

In time for Advent season and its reopening today, the team has been busy behind the scenes transforming the building's interior with festive decorations and events.

A 32ft Christmas tree lit by 1,000 LED lights now stands tall and a Renaissance-style nativity inspired by the cathedral community has made a return.

Here's everything you need to know:

(1) THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Salisbury Journal:

Once again the Christmas tree this year is a Norway Spruce grown, felled in Longleat Forest.

A cathedral spokesperson said that Norway Spruces grow at around a foot a year, meaning this 32ft-high tree is an estimated 32-years-old.

The festive tree weighs more than 250 kilos, and takes around 12 people to move it.

The tree is lit by 1,000 LED lights, ten rows of 100 lights, all hung by the cathedral’s ecclesiastical joiner Richard Pike, using a cherry picker.

Richard also added the glass baubles and glass droplets, created from an old chandelier.

(2) CHRISTMAS TREE CONCERNS

Salisbury Journal:

Earlier this year the cathedral team was concerned how the tree would be raised, as the hoist that is normally used to lift the spectacle is currently supporting Daniel Chadwick’s installation, 'Somewhere in the Universe', part of the 'Spirit and Endeavour' exhibition.

Robert and Alan Siertsema of Gebuwin, a family firm from the Netherlands, came to the cathedral’s aid and loaned a hoist for the occasion.

(3) THE NATIVITY

Salisbury Journal:

Created by Jacquiline Creswell and Ash Mills and first exhibited last year, the Renaissance-style Nativity has returned to the heart of the cathedral.

Printed on to voile panels which are around 10ft wide and more than 35ft long, the photographic tableaus hang nearly 50ft above the ground in the Spire Crossing.

The nativity is built from a series of individual and group portraits of members of the cathedral community, including baby Freddie Halliday, now a year old, son of former England rugby player Simon Halliday and grandson of the choir’s counter tenor, Steve Abbott.

The installation aims to combine the past and present through this cathedral-inspired contemporary twist, as well as embodying a sense of warmth, hope and community after what has been a difficult year.

(4) CHRISTMAS TRAIL

Salisbury Journal:

Michael Bowyer, the cathedral’s director of flowers, accompanied by thirty of his flower arrangers, has prepared a special Christmas trail around the building, also incorporating the cathedral’s towering tree.

The twelve-stop trail will explore the Christmas story using seasonal foliage and linking to festive activities and customs.

Special trails will be available both online and offline for family visitors.

And Salisbury residents living in the SP1, SP2 or Laverstock areas can collect a Resident's Pass at the welcome desk, enabling them free access to the cathedral for a year.

(5) LATE NIGHT OPENING

Salisbury Journal:

To add to the seasonal fun, on Thursday December 10, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm, music, mulled wine and mince pies will fill the cathedral walls as part of an open evening event.

Visiting on the open evening is free to all, including Christmas canines, but booking is essential in order to manage capacity and stay within Covid-19 regulations.

Pictures by Ash Mills.