THE annual St Thomas’s Church Christmas Tree Festival has begun today (Tuesday, December 2) featuring creations from organisations, charities, businesses and schools.

Opened by Salisbury mayor Cllr. John Wells, the festival is now in its 21st year and includes a daily programme of inspiring music by community and school choirs, music groups and individual performers.

Event goers can indulge in delicious home baked cakes and refreshments throughout the week at the Festival Café.

The church said: “As a community event, the festival is loved and enjoyed by people local to Salisbury and visitors from far and wide. For many it is the start of their Christmas celebrations.”

The festival is free, but donations are welcome. Along with helping fund the church’s community work, maintenance and upkeep, proceeds will benefit local addiction treatment centre Clouds House and children’s hospice Julia’s House.

Residents of houses run by Salisbury Trust for the Homeless (STFH) have lovingly helped decorate the charity’s Christmas tree which will be on display.

Photo: Salisbury Trust for the Homeless

Tenants living in STFH’s ten houses in Salisbury recently came to the charity’s Fisherton Street office to make baubles, dedicating them to their children.

Photo: Salisbury Trust for the Homeless

They joined forces with STFH’s small team of professional support workers and enjoyed working alongside staff in a different way.

STFH service manager Ross Foster-Manning said: “It was nice to do this activity together. They said that they were very grateful for the support that STFH provides for its residents.”

The Christmas Tree Festival is open between 10am and 5.30pm and runs to Saturday, December 6. Visitors have one last opportunity to participate on Sunday, December 7 from 12noon to 5.30pm.