After a two-year break because of the pandemic the Penarth Christmas Tree Festival returns to St Augustine’s Church over the weekend of December 3rd (11am-5pm) and 4th (12 noon-5pm). Admission is £3.00 for adults, children free.

About forty trees will be on display and you can expect a stunning display of creativity, wit and festive exuberance! As you wander around admiring the trees, a variety of local music groups will be providing seasonal entertainment. And if that’s not enough, refreshments and home-made produce will be available in the church hall all weekend!

The event is also a competition and trees have been entered in categories for schools in the town, businesses, local groups and individuals. They will be judged by Amy Salisbury. Amy has produced commissioned art which are to be found in hotels, offices and private homes from London to Warsaw. She studied at UCL and The Courtauld Institute of Art, and has worked in the arts for over 25 years. And, of course, there is a Visitors’ Prize which everyone can vote for.

The festival always supports three charities, one global, one national and one local. The nominated charities this year are: Leukaemia UK, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Tŷ Hafan.

The festival starts on Saturday 3rd December with Breakfast with Santa (free entry, but donations welcome!) at 9:30am in St Augustine’s Hall, Albert Road for children of the town and their families. This is followed by a walk up through Belle Vue Park led by the Town Mayor and Santa for the official opening of the festival at 11am.