THE Ilminster Minster is getting Christmas-ready now that it is officially December by hosting its annual Tree Festival on Monday, December 2.

This festival, which has been running for over two decades, brings together over 50 decorated Christmas trees and crib scenes curated by South West businesses, organisations and charities to raise money for good causes.

The exhibition entails a sparkling display of 57 Christmas trees within the church, all lit up and decorated by 57 different exhibitors including; SG Weighing, Amicus Law, Mitchams, Grinters, The Shrubbery, Ilminster Share and Repair, and Sweet Surprise.

It has been described by Reverend Jo Stobart as a “lovely opportunity for local people to support the charities that they love and get behind them”.

The official opening event commenced at 11am with special guests in attendance including; Councillor Mike Best, chair of Somerset Council and member for Crewkerne, Mrs Elizabeth Ferriss, previous organiser for the Christmas Tree Festival, Miss Claire Oaten, headteacher of Herne View and her students, Miss Scarlett Wells, Wadham School personal development lead and her pupils and Reverend Jo Stobart, vicar of the Minster, Ilminster.

The opening ceremony was then followed by the Ilminster Minster’s bells tolling.

The team at The Minster have said how grateful they are to everyone who has helped them make this year’s event possible.

“It’s a beautiful event that brings the spirit of Christmas alive. Everything worked really smoothly and its all down to the hard work of the team here,” Reverend Jo added.

You can visit the festival each day this week from 9am to 5pm as well as late-night openings on Thursday and Friday (December 5 and 6) until 7pm, or on Saturday (December 8) from 9am to 3pm.

Entry is free and all are very welcome. Donations can be made in cash and this year using the card reader.