ST Andrew’s Parish Church in Farnham, has been transformed into a Christmas tree museum as it plays host to its first ever Christmas tree festival designed by RHS gold medallist floral artist Sue Aston, which comes to a close this Sunday (December 6).

The 82 uniquely decorated trees have been made by a number of charities, businesses, churches, schools, community groups and individuals. A Farnham based firm of accountants Wise & Co, impressed competitors in the private viewing on Wednesday with their tree full of wisdom, as owls layered the tree.

Farnham ASSIST’s ‘Knit ’n’ Natter’ group rose to the challenge, with their imaginative festive tree, which boasted Father Christmas, snowmen, fairies and Christmas stockings all individually knitted by group members.

Entry is free, and visitors are welcome between 9am (12pm Sunday) and 5pm (7pm Thursday). There will be no growling stomachs as visitors will be treated to hot and cold refreshments and mulled wine to quench the thirst. There will also be live music between 1pm and 1.45pm, and 3pm and 3.45pm.

The Mayor of Farnham, Pat Frost expressed her delight at declaring the festival open and congratulated the organisers for making St Andrew’s Church look “so wonderfully festive”.

She also thanked the clergy for “all they do in Farnham”, many of whom were in attendance at Tuesday’s opening including The Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson.

Addressing guests, Bishop Andrew praised the tree designers for their “amazing creativity” adding the festival was a testament to the “communal sense of Farnham”.