In pictures: School pupils among thousands visiting 13th Christmas Tree Festival

Thousands of people - including school pupils - passed through St Luke’s Church last week to see a range of dazzling Christmas trees.

The 13th annual Christmas Tree Festival was open to the public at the Norfolk Road church from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8.

Twinkling lights and a range of colourful decorations adorned the 73 trees sponsored by a host of businesses, community groups, churches, schools, charities and families.

Each tree was decorated in a theme of the sponsor’s choice.

Some of the displays included The Craufurd Arms Christmas Quiz Tree, Pinocchio at Norden Farm, and Maidenhead Care: Little Acts of Kindness.

Several teddy bears adorned the tree by Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP), and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service’s tree featured the faces of the youngsters and families they support.

Other exhibitors included Moo Music, Thames Hospice, Right at Home, Berkshire SANDS, Woodlands Park Primary School, St Piran’s School, Cookham Rise Primary School, Maidenhead Street Angels, Christians Against Poverty and St Luke’s Church Prayer Shawl Ministry.

A colourful tree was also decorated by WAMCF’s Women’s Group and another tree – complete with a rainbow on top – was also on display from the Inclusive Church.

Throughout the event, more than 3,000 people attended the church to view the tree displays, including four schools, namely Riverside Primary School and Nursery, St Luke’s CofE Primary School, St Piran’s School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds had a tree on display this year, adorned with a range of festive cards created by school pupils across the Royal Borough.

He also visited the church on Friday to tour the displays.

Refreshments and a seasonal raffle were on offer to visitors during the festival.

The festival came to an end on Sunday evening when a closing service was held, attended by Royal Borough mayor Cllr Simon Bond.

A tree from Cllr Bond was also on display as part of the festival.

The service featured carols and readings and saw some of the tree sponsors share personal stories behind their creations.

A representative from Thames Valley Heartbeat – a charity set up in 2019 to raise money to buy public access defibrillators for communities in the Thames Valley – was also on hand to tell attendees more about their work.

All the money raised this year from voting for the best decorated tree is being donated to the charity.

Vicar Rev Sally Lynch said: “We have raised about £4,900 for Thames Valley Heartbeat, which is fantastic – thanks to everyone who voted for all the trees.”

For the second year running, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service’s tree was voted the best dressed.

They were closely followed by TVAP’s teddies takeover the Thames Valley Adventure Playground, Thames Hospice, Claremont and Holyport Practice nursing team, Sing Choirs of Angels, The Wellbeing Tree, and Guess the Film by Craft Coop with ‘Our Maidenhead’ craft group.

Reflecting on the festival, Rev Lynch added: “We are delighted with the way it all flowed this year with [a] steady stream of visitors despite the poor weather. 

“It was a great way to help people start their Christmas.”

The Christmas Tree Festival will be back for its 14th year next year.