Christmas Tree Festival returns to Greenisland

Fifty Christmas trees will be beautifully displayed, each tree reflecting a theme retelling part of the Christian story.

The trees are individually decorated by families and groups from the church and local community.

This is the second time the church has held a Christmas Tree festival, with the previous event in 2014 described as a “truly imaginative way to retell the Christian story” and an “amazing sight” by visitors.

There will be a wide range of Christmas crafts for sale, and refreshments will be available throughout the festival.

Opening hours are: Thursday December 7, 8.30-10pm (after the Community Carol Service); Friday December 8, 1pm-9pm; Saturday December 9, 10am-9pm; Sunday December 10, 2-5pm and Community Service at 6pm; Monday December 11, 1pm-9pm, and Tuesday December 12, 1pm-9pm.

Local groups and choirs will be playing and singing while people view the festival trees at the following times:

Friday 7pm Greenisland Presbyterian Church Choir, 8pm Greenisland Girls Brigade;

Saturday 7.30pm Greenisland Church of Ireland Choir;

Sunday 2.30pm Johnston Star Flute Band, Whiteabbey; 4pm Victoria Primary School, Carrickfergus; 6pm Community Advent Carol Service;

Monday 7pm Abbey Community College, Newtownabbey; 8pm Greenisland Methodist Church Choir;

Tuesday 7pm Greenisland and Silverstream PS choirs at the closing service.

On Saturday afternoon (2-4pm) there will be an opportunity for adults and children to make Christmas craft gifts and cards in the church hall.