IT was standing room only at a special carol service in Salisbury – where donations were also handed to two city causes.

Carols for Busy People took place at St Thomas’s Salisbury on December 18, giving folks the chance to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer in a lunchtime slot.https://salisburyandavon.co.uk/christmas-carols…-salisbury-event/

“This celebration is also an appropriate occasion for the presentation of donations from funds raised by this years’ Christmas Tree Festival,” a spokesperson said.

“This years’ nominated charities were Christians against Poverty (CAP) and Morning Star Salisbury, and each charity were presented with cheques for £7,300.”

Kerry and Mike Badger of Morning Star Salisbury, left, and Charlotte Reading (Bell) from Christians against poverty (CAP)

The 2024 Christmas Tree Festival was visited by more than 12,000 people, organisers said, from across the UK and even from far flung areas of the world including Vancouver, Canada, and Victoria, Australia.

“As usual the event was enhanced by the performances of over 1,000 local musicians who made a wonderful contribution to the spectacle,” the spokesperson added.

“In all the festival raised over £21,000 and this outstanding result was a heartening reminder of the continual generosity of the local community and of all who visit the Christmas Tree Festival.”