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St Peter’s Church in Gorleston is set to sparkle this December as it hosts its first-ever Christmas Tree Festival – a joyful new event combining festive music, community spirit and stunning seasonal displays.
The festival will be officially opened by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Carl Annison, on Thursday 18 December at 10am, during a special Carol Service featuring pupils from St Mary and St Peter Primary School. The church will then be open each day from 10am to 4pm until Sunday 21 December, welcoming visitors to enjoy the beautifully decorated trees, boughs of holly, floral displays and candlelight.
The celebrations will include a rich musical programme. The renowned Chorus of St Cecilia, directed by Matthew Hardy, will perform two Festival Christmas Concerts on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 December at 7.30pm. Joining them will be soloists Sam Street, Matthew Canwell, Jennifer James, and Cathy Chaplin, accompanied by Chris Whiting on organ and piano.
Throughout the festival there will also be lunchtime concerts at 12 noon each day, featuring Christmas music for organ and piano. On Saturday 20 December at 1pm, the talented Dusmagrik Youth Theatre Group will perform a special selection of Christmas music.
Additional Carol Services will be held on Friday 19 December at 5.30pm and Sunday 21 December at 3.30pm, offering further opportunities for visitors to join in festive worship.
St Peter’s, a Grade II listed building designed by Eric Gill in 1939, provides a beautiful and historic setting for the event. Refreshments will be available throughout the festival.
All proceeds will go towards the Church Organ Rebuild Fund, launched earlier this year with a remarkable ten-hour organ marathon performed by Matthew Hardy. Since April, a series of lunchtime concerts has already raised an impressive £17,570, and organisers hope the Christmas Tree and Music Festival will provide a further boost to the appeal.
Tickets for the evening concerts (£12 each) can be obtained by calling or texting 07786 165690.
Admission to all other events is free of charge.
This exciting new festival promises to be a highlight of Gorleston’s Christmas celebrations – combining music, community, and faith in one uplifting event.
