In The Jungle Book, a sad Mowgli encounters four friendly vultures who proceed to sing to him to cheer him up, and within their tune about what friends are for they mention, “We’ve never met an animal we didn’t like.” Christmas trees are a lot like friends to me, and worthy of a song and dance, too (if only I had the talent). Much like the sentiments expressed by Buzzy, Dizzy, Flaps, and Ziggy in the Disney classic, I’ve never met a Christmas tree I didn’t like. Even when you see in the news about councils putting out sad looking trees, like the 3ft tree with a scrunched up ball of tin foil as its topper that appeared on Scartho roundabout in Grimsby a few years back, I even liked that one!
So when the Christmas Tree Festival at the Sleaford Methodist Church comes around, it’s one of the highlights of the year for me (there are never any Scartho roundabout-esque trees in sight there by the way). Nothing brings that festive feeling as much as wandering around the church hall admiring all the different interpretations of trees presented by clubs, groups, schools, businesses and individuals from our community. Over the 10 years I’ve been visiting, I’ve seen Christmas trees made out of computer components, milk bottle tops, individual decorations made by school children, personal hopes and prayers and Yuletide memories expressed. I’m completely charmed every time I visit.
The good news is that the Christmas Tree Festival returns for its 21st outing on the Advent Sunday weekend, and only to add to that cheer, we bring you the news that Your Local Lincs will also be entering our tree again. You’ll no doubt remember Noeleen, the tree from last year. Well, this year she’s going to be re-dressed with decorations that include 12 personalised baubles. It’s a number synonymous with Christmas, and an important one for us given that we go out each of the 12 months of the year. So look out for her when you visit.
Until the big weekend, here’s a selection of photos of the festival I’ve taken over the years.
~Rich
The Sleaford Christmas Tree Festival 2023 takes place at the Methodist Church on Northgate on Saturday 2nd December 10am – 4pm and Sunday 3rd December 11am – 5pm.
Christmas trees are decorated by people, businesses and societies in the local area. There will also be a raffle, a tombola, jams & chutneys for sale, and a café. Entry is free but donations are welcome.
