A GROUP of Bromyard residents could be forgiven for thinking its beginning to look a lot like Christmas when they visited Festive Forestry in Much Marcle to pick trees for the town's eighth Christmas Tree Festival.

To be held at St Peter's Church from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1, the festival attracts sponsorship for about 60 trees from local businesses, community organisations and individuals.

The trees are displayed in the aisles of St Peter's and money raised from the festival - just under £2,000 last year - is donated to local charities which this year will include Bromyard Youth: Kempson Players the Mayor's charity for the year and Athena Animal Rescue at Edwyn Ralph.

In addition to being able to see the display of decorated Christmas trees, the majority of which will be illuminated, visitors to the festival will be treated to a variety of free musical entertainment including performances on the Friday evening by students from the local Primary Schools and members if the Conquest Youth Theatre.

This will be followed on Saturday afternoon by the U3A singers and Ukulele band and in the evening a concert featuring the Dulcet Tones, Hannah Clayton Huw Knight and Viv Bell.

In addition to enjoying a weekend of colour music, mulled wine and refreshments, visitors will be able to vote for which they consider to be the best decorated trees, several of which will be available for purchase with or without decorations.

Bromyard Mayor Roger Page will open the festival at 3.30pm on Friday, November 29 and will then present The Mayor's Award to the tree he considers to be the best decorated or most appropriately themed.

As usual visitors will have a chance to sing along to their favourite carols throughout the weekend and whilst on Saturday afternoon there will be a special children's craft session for younger visitors and their families.