Aylsham Parish Church Prepares for Magical Advent Season with Christmas Tree Festival and Charity Concert
As autumn leaves fall and winter approaches, Aylsham Parish Church is bustling with anticipation for their annual Christmas Tree Festival, a cherished community tradition that transforms the historic church into a festive wonderland while supporting dozens of worthy causes. This year’s celebration, running from Friday, November 28th through Tuesday, December 2nd, promises to be a heartwarming start to the Advent season, with over fifty charities represented through beautifully decorated trees. The festival has become a cornerstone of Aylsham’s holiday calendar, bringing together local families, businesses, and visitors from across Norfolk to celebrate the season of giving while enjoying music, refreshments, and the magical atmosphere of twinkling lights against the ancient stone walls of the parish church.
The festival kicks off on Friday, November 28th at 10am, building toward the official lighting ceremony at 4pm when the church will come alive with hundreds of sparkling lights. Visitors can warm themselves with mulled wine and mince pies served inside the church while enjoying the festive atmosphere, and those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the candy floss stall outside. Saturday morning continues the celebration with a cozy coffee morning from 10am to noon featuring charity stalls and the gentle sounds of folk music filling the air. The afternoon transitions to soup and bread lunches from noon until 2pm, providing sustenance for visitors as they wander among the trees and enjoy performances by visiting choirs whose harmonies will echo through the church’s vaulted ceiling, adding another layer of magic to the experience.
The highlight of Saturday evening will be a special charity concert by the renowned Norwich City Concert Band at 7pm. This performance promises to deliver seasonal favorites and stirring arrangements that will resonate through the ancient church, with all proceeds directly benefiting the charities represented in the festival. Tickets are currently available from Postles Electrical in Aylsham, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for those under 18, making it an affordable evening of entertainment for families while supporting worthy causes. The organizers hope the concert will not only provide a memorable evening of music but also substantially boost the charitable funds raised during the festival, continuing their tradition of community generosity.
Sunday brings a continuation of the festive atmosphere with soup lunches and refreshments served from 12:30pm, leading up to the centerpiece of the weekend: the Advent Festival Service from 4pm to 5pm. This special service combines lights and music in a traditional celebration of the beginning of Advent, offering a moment of reflection amid the festivities. Many locals consider this service, with its blend of spiritual significance and sensory beauty, to be the true heart of the festival weekend. As darkness falls outside, the church glows with warmth and light, embodying the hopeful message of the Advent season before the festival closes for the day at 7pm.
The celebration continues into the new week with the festival open from 10am to 7pm on both Monday and Tuesday, with morning refreshments available from 10am to noon. Tuesday marks the conclusion of this year’s festival, culminating in the much-anticipated raffle drawing between 5pm and 6pm, when drinks will be served and lucky winners will claim prizes donated by local businesses. This final gathering provides a chance for the community to celebrate the success of their collective efforts while supporting the featured charities. Debbie Graver, chair of the events team at Aylsham Church, expressed both gratitude and ambition: “We are really grateful for numerous individuals and businesses from the local community who provide sponsorship and raffle prizes to cover our costs. Last year we raised £6000, and we are hoping to increase this amount this year.”
For those who have never experienced Aylsham’s Christmas Tree Festival, photographs from previous years hint at the magical atmosphere, but cannot fully capture the sense of community and goodwill that permeates the event. Each tree tells a story of a charity’s mission, decorated with thoughtful ornaments that often reflect the work they do. Children delight in the lights and festive displays, while adults appreciate both the beauty and the opportunity to support causes close to their hearts. The festival has grown year after year, becoming not just a local tradition but a regional attraction that draws visitors from throughout North Norfolk. Those seeking more information or wishing to get involved can contact the organizers at [email protected] or by calling 01263 704457. As the church prepares to once again transform into a glittering forest of charitable giving, the people of Aylsham stand ready to welcome visitors to share in the true spirit of the season – one of community, generosity, and celebration.
