Christmas Tree Festival

The Christmas Tree Festival is a cosy annual bash in the village of Downton. Locals and community groups deck out Christmas trees in all sorts of creative ways, and they go on display at St Laurence Church, turning the place into a proper festive wonderland.

It’s all about bringing folk together over the holidays, with a bit of fundraising thrown in for good causes like family support charities in the area.

It kicked off around 2018 or 2019, and by the end of that decade it was already on its sixth go, so it’s become a proper tradition. The vibe is family-friendly and relaxed, with stalls selling gifts and crafts, raffles to win bits and bobs, activities for kids to keep them busy, and hot refreshments to warm you up.

There’s usually live music too, featuring the Downton Band, the local community choir, and even pupils from Trafalgar School belting out carols.

For 2025, it’s set for Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December at the church. If you fancy getting involved, groups and individuals can submit their decorated trees ahead of time, often through the village newsletter or parish council announcements.

Entry is free, so it’s easy to pop along and soak it up. If you’re local, keep an eye on the the Church Website, or the InDownton newsletter for exact timings and how to join in. Pick up an entry form at the Library, Borough Cafe or the Church itself.

Sounds like a right laugh if you’re into that Christmassy community spirit.