By Rosie Hughes
FORTY CHRISTMAS trees are on display in All Saints Parish Church on Kirkgate, Otley.
The festival was opened at midday today by the town bell ringer and Guiseley brass band.
Each tree is decorated by different local charities and community groups in their own theme. Visitors can donate to the Christmas tree they like the best from 10am to 6pm until Saturday December 9th.
Tim Wilkinson, a town team volunteer, helped set up the trees in the church.
He said: “We had about 5,000 people visiting last year. It’s a great way for people to escape the commercialism of Christmas and give a pound or two to good causes.
“Last year, the Royal British Legion decorated their tree with poppies, and the disabled riders club filled theirs with gingerbread horses.”
There will be live musical performances every day and on Friday at 7pm there will be an evening concert by Chippendale Singers and Westgate Primary School Choir.
The trees were donated from a local garden centre, Steven H. Smiths. The trees will be given to low income households after the festival.