St Mark's Sixth Annual Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Market:

25 November - 28 November 2011

Every year we have a Christmas Tree Festival over the first weekend in Advent. Our sixth annual Christmas Tree Festival's theme was “Nursery Rhymes”. 

The Civic Mayor of Tameside carried out the official opening at 7:30 pm on Friday 25 November. There was a concert with the Bigsby Brothers Jazz Band and the Christmas Market open in the hall.

Examples of the 43 trees on display are pictured. They were decorated by youth organisations such as Guides, Brownies, schools, and local organisations/business etc. 

The Christmas Market with stalls, tombola, and activities and refreshments in the hall was open from 11:30 on Saturday. Kids had fun making badges and lots of good conversation was had over the lovely refreshments.

The puppets put on a great show to a packed church on Saturday afternoon and, as always, Adamsons Band did a super concert on Saturday night.

We run a competition for the most popular tree - voted for by Festival visitors.

The Guiding Association Trophy was won by St John's Rainbows with their tree Ladybird, Ladybird.  Favourite tree as voted by visitors (children's group entries) - the first was St John's Beavers and Runner up St John's school Class 2. Favourite tree as voted by visitors (adult group entries) - the first was Old Chapel and the Runner up St Mark's Choir. 

As usual at our Sunday morning service we had a guest preacher; this year it was the Archdeacon of Macclesfield. During this service the new Memorial Screen in memory of Kathy Staff was unveiled, dedicated and blessed.

This was followed by a Festival of Carols with the Tame Valley Brass band and presentation of awards for best trees by Councillor Jackie Lane

On Monday, children from local primary schools came to look at the trees with their teachers to admire the trees and enjoy the beauty of the church.

The weekend is always very successful and enjoyed by all who attend.

 Click here to see more Christmas Tree Photos