Your guide to Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Church and library in Thurston

Preparations are well under way for the annual Christmas Tree Festival in Thurston, which will open next weekend.

St Peter's Church and the library, in the village near Bury St Edmunds, will be welcoming families, who will be able to see trees decorated by the local community.

The popular festive event will feature 30 different trees across the two venues, all decorated with the theme of pantomime.

The Christmas Tree Festival will run at both venues from 10am-4pm on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18.

It is free to enter but families can make a donation to the church or the library if they would like to.

Refreshments will be available in the church and children will be able to get stuck into some angel crafts and a festive quiz.

At the library, preschool and primary school aged children will be able to listen to 'twenty-minute tales at Christmas' at 11am on Saturday, December 17.

From 10.30am - 2.30pm on both days, children visiting the library will be able to 'craft an angel'.

Richard Fawcett, Chair of The Friends of Thurston Library, said: "The much-loved Thurston Christmas Tree Festival is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and, in enjoying the amazing, beautifully decorated trees, look forward to Christmas. Everyone will be very welcome.

"Each year the festival goes from strength to strength. Funds raised will be going towards running the church and enhancing the library services and activities for all the family."

On Saturday, December 17, at 7pm at St Peter's Church, Ixworth and Elmswell Ladies Voices and Guests will be performing carols and songs.

Tickets on the door are £5 for adults and children under 18 get in for free, cakes, mince pies, tea and coffee will be available afterwards.