St Michael’s Church, Newquay is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas Tree Festival for the first time this year.

A joint project between the Mayor of Newquay, the town council and St Michael the Archangel Church in Newquay, the Christmas tree festival sees local organisations, businesses and charities pay for a tree which they then decorate as they wish, and is on display in the church for all visitors to admire. Their individual tree is also their opportunity to share information and, if they are a charity, collect money in a collection box.

Revd Jem Thorold, who was licensed as priest in charge at St Michael’s Church in September, is really enjoying the first year of the festival: “We are delighted to host the festival this year as not only are they a beautiful decoration but it means that the church is open to anyone who wants to come in – to enjoy the beauty of the trees and the peace and quiet in this house of God.”

“I am really grateful to all the people from the congregation and the church community who have given up their free time to make sure the church is open all day and to welcome people in.”

Newquay Marine Group’s Christmas Tree

The RNLI Lifeboat Ladies Guild, RAFA St Mawgan, Newquay Lions, Newquay Marine Group, Lowender Peran Festival and Newquay Flower Club are just some of the organisations that were personally invited by the Mayor to take part in the festival.

Revd Jem said: “One of the loveliest parts of the festival are the messages that some of the organisations are helping to send with their tree – Newquay Marine Group for example, are trying to raise awareness of how much rubbish is washed up on our beaches and so have used decorations made up entirely of plastic found on the shore.”

The church will be open for the Christmas Tree Festival till Saturday 18th December. It is also holding a Carols by Candlelight Service on 16th December at 7pm, 9 Lessons and Carols Service on the 18th December at 6.30pm, Christingle at 4pm and Midnight Mass at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve and a Family Eucharist Service on Christmas Day at 10.30am.