By Tommy Bonnet
A West Bridgford Christmas tree festival is supporting local rough sleepers and vulnerable adults through donations to see more than 30 specially-decorated entries.
St Giles’ Church is hosting the event from Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8.
There are 33 entries this year from community groups, schools and businesses in the local area – a record in the third year the festival has been held.
Over the weekend, around 30 different live local music acts will also perform, from local primary schools singing Christmas songs to folk musicians as visitors also enjoy free tea, coffee and mince pies.
The event is free to attend, but any donations provided to go towards The Friary – a Christian charity supporting local vulnerable adults and the homeless.
Jen Blake, Allotment Supervisor of the charity said: “It’s amazing amazing to come to an event like this and see all the trees and people in the community – and we’re really grateful for any donations we receive as well but its good to just feel part of the community.
“All charities are struggling – the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone and we are no different to that. We do see people struggling, it’s difficult to see rough sleepers coming in in the morning when they’ve been out all night in the cold and we do all we can to support them.
“All the donations we receive here will go to our winter appeal which will continue our work over the next year for our core services.”
In March this year, Nottingham City Council found the total number of people in any form of temporary accommodation was 776, up from 599 people – showing increasing levels of homelessness in Nottingham.
Rector of Saint Giles’, Joanna Seabourne, said: “For us this is about being able to put on a free event that people can come and enjoy and donate to.
“We have children groups youth groups, uniformed organisations, care homes and local nurseries so a real sense of the community coming together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy it.
“For us a big part of this is letting the community know we are here – that our doors are open and that we want to be a real part of the community and serve them be there for them when things are good and when it’s tough.”
On Friday (December 6) Saint Giles’ also hosted a three-course Christmas lunch for more than 70 local elderly people, who then visited the exhibition of trees.
Last year’s festival raised more than £1,500.
