Festive celebrations in York with launch of the Minster's first Christmas Tree Festival
Yesterday saw the launch of the Minster’s first Christmas tree festival, with baubles hung and garlands of colourful trim, as crowds returned to the city’s St Nicholas Fair Christmas Market.
The festival features nearly 40 trees all decorated by local children, charities and businesses, aimed at raising funds for the cathedral and uplifting spirits for all. It means more this year, said Neil Sanderson, from organisers the York Minster Fund, to see such celebrations return to a city known for its festive cheer.
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Hide AdHe said: “It’s been a difficult couple of years, and we thought this would be a good way of bringing people together.
“Christmas is definitely coming. The city has such a festive feel.”
Read more: http://York Christmas Market 2021: A sneak peek at what’s in store for this year’s returning St Nicholas Fair in YorkChristmas trees
York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, has been at the centre of Christianity in the North since the 7th century and draws many thousands of visitors every year.
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Hide AdIts South Piazza, set against the backdrop of the Minster’s medieval splendour, has changed so much over the centuries. This year there is a festive marquee which houses the Christmas tree festival, alongside a winter village with wooden chalets offering seasonal food, drink and gifts.
As the Minster is a listed monument, it is important that any such events fit in with its “historic context”, said Mr Sanderson, and careful thought had been applied. This celebration is aimed at bringing together communities while raising funds for the Minster’s conservation.
Some of the trees feature handcrafted ornaments from the Minster’s stonemasons and York Glazier’s Trust, and others are inspired by music or hand-drawn pictures from school children.
Mr Sanderson said: “This gives us an opportunity to use a different space.
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Hide Ad“It just feels like a nice festive thing to do as well. York has, particularly when it’s lit, that warm and ‘Christmassy’ feel.”
Festive
The launch comes alongside the opening of St Nicholas Fair Christmas Market, while York Castle Museum has transformed its Victorian Street into a snow-covered ‘stage’ to tell a Kirkgate Christmas Tale. To
Mr Sanderson, the seasonal festivities feel more poignant after a time when people were encouraged to stay home.
“I find it difficult to place what happened when it’s almost as if we’ve lost a year. This is about bringing people together.
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Hide Ad"Last year was very disjoined, families unable to see one another or go to events. The more we can do to that this year, the better we can make people feel.
“There are still challenges, but it feels we can begin to do things again, especially outdoors.”
York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival runs until January 6, with a vote to name the ‘best dressed’ and with donations to the Minster Fund.
Visitors are also encouraged to add their own Christmas message to a prayer tree, honouring loved ones or sharing goodwill. On Saturday there are family craft sessions to create ornaments. The trees are provided by York Christmas Trees, which supplied the tree for 10 Downing Street in 2020.
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