Ipswich Christmas Tree Festival to return to church

St Mary le Tower will welcome thousands of visitors soon as decorated trees grace the church.

The festival will include more than 100 real and artificial trees, all sponsored or bought by a variety of businesses, charities, community groups and individuals.

Last year, the festival, which has been running for more than a decade, entertained nearly 8,000 visitors over the week, a record.

The Reverend Tom Mumford (Image: Newsquest)

Vicar of St Mary le Tower, Reverend Tom Mumford, said: "We are so excited to throw open our doors for Trees at the Tower again this year.

"At a time of real challenge and anxiety for our nation and our world, we hope people will experience the warmth of our welcome, but also something of the hope and joy Christmas brings, even in, like the first Christmas, the most difficult of times."

This year, money raised will be split between charities being supported by Mayor of Ipswich Lynne Mortimer and the church.

The Christmas Tree festival returns on November 30 and will be free for the public until December 6.

The Trees at the Tower event returns on November 30 and is free (Image: Newsquest)