St. Columb's Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival

The event, which will be one of the highlights of the city’s Christmas programme, will take place over five days from December 15 to 19.

Local businesses, charities and organisations have been making a donation and are currently piecing together their own unique trees to reflect their organisation for the cross-community festival.

All proceeds from the charity event, which has been endorsed by Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock, will go towards Foyle Search & Rescue, Foyle Hospice and St. Columb’s Cathedral.

The public event will see visitors to the Cathedral taken on ‘The Road To Bethlehem’, which will be lined with the trees inside the Cathedral, leading to the Chapter House where the Manger will be housed.

The idea for the Christmas Tree Festival took shape after committee members visited Lislimnaghan Parish Church in Omagh, where they had staged a similar event last year, and the Omagh team have proved very helpful to the local team.

The St. Columb’s Festival Committee said they are well on course to get over 100 trees, with entertainment from local choirs, schools and soloists throughout the festival.

Any business or group wishing to take part can still do so by e-mailing: [email protected]

There will also be tea served in the Synod Hall on London Street. And there will also be a Victorian Tea experience on offer at St Columb’s Court. The latter is booking only, telephone 07742148202.