Annual Christmas festival in Sudbury proves tree-mendous

The organiser of an annual Christmas tree festival staged in Sudbury has hailed the event a success, after raising £4,500 for good causes.

St Peter’s was lit up by 98 festive trees, which were decorated by members of the community for the five-day festival.

“The whole event has been a fantastic microcosm of the town,” said organiser Malcolm Offord, from Sudbury Rotary Club, which attracts businesses, schools and charity groups to the festival each year.

“It’s always a lovely occasion; everyone gets on with each other,” he said.

Festive designs showcased during the event, which finished on Sunday, featured creations in memory of loved-ones.

The Sudbury branch of the Royal British Legion dedicated its design to commemorate the centenary of Armistice Day, which took place last month.

“You could spend hours wandering around the trees and reflecting on them,” said Mr Offord.

Entertainment included performances from Gainsborough Concert Group, Melford Hand Bells and various pianists.

Proceeds from the event will be split between the East Anglian Air Ambulance, The Befriending Scheme and Richmond Fellowship.