Carlisle Cathedral will once again host their Christmas Tree Festival throughout December, building on the success of the first event held in 2024.
Last year’s festival involved 30 local charities, organisations, schools and groups, all of whom creatively decorated trees to reflect their work in the local community. The display, set out within the 903-year-old Cathedral and medieval Undercroft, was viewed and enjoyed by over 13,000 visitors – trebling the usual number of expected visitors during this period. Over 1,000 prayers and messages were added to the community prayer tree, and hundreds of children completed the festive activities on offer, which included a puzzle booklet and present treasure hunt.
This year, the team at the Cathedral plan to develop the festive experience by increasing the number of trees on display and inviting local businesses to take part alongside not-for-profit organisations. Children’s activities will once again be on offer, as well as a special evening experience on Saturday 13 December, 5-8pm, which will include tours of the Cathedral, live music, canapés and pop-up bar. Tickets will be available soon on the Cathedral website. Seasonal treats will also be on offer at the Cathedral Café throughout Advent and Christmas.
The festival encourages members of the community to take time out of the hustle and bustle of the season to explore the trees, add their own Christmas prayer or message to the festival’s community prayer tree and rest under the starry ceiling for which the Cathedral is renowned. Running throughout Advent, Christmas and into the New Year, the festival offers the opportunity to people of all faiths to enjoy and experience the space of the Cathedral.
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, added “Beginning on St Nicholas’ Day (the original Santa Claus) through to the end of the 12 days of Christmas we invite you to our Christmas Tree Festival. It is wonderful that our local communities celebrate light shining in the darkness, turning the whole Cathedral into a celebration of Jesus the light of the world and of everlasting life shown in the evergreen trees.”
The festival runs from Saturday 6 December until Sunday 4 January, during normal opening hours, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day when reduced opening hours will be in operation. Donations are welcome in support of the Cathedral.
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