The spirit of Bedford’s Christmas Tree festival will live on this year, despite not being able to take place in the traditional surroundings of St Paul’s Church.
The organisers are asking Bedford’s creative crafters and decorators to share photos of their own decorated trees – from this year or previous years – to be shared on line.
Based on the theme ‘Bedford Community Christmas’, anyone can submit photos of their decorated tree, including trees in homes and in villages which will be shared on the festival’s Facebook page.
In keeping with the entertainment element of the festival, the organisers are also asking for submissions off short (maximum one minute in length) videos of festive choirs, music or dance performances.
“The theme of the virtual festival is ‘Bedford Community Christmas’, enabling people to share Bedford’s Christmas Festival Spirit and give thanks for kindnesses shown during the lockdowns,” said Margaret Oakley, chair of the Christmas Tree Festival.
“This time a year ago, the Festival was in full swing. We all miss the fun and joy, the trees, the music, the dance, so please help to share the Festival Spirit online”.
Margaret and the festival organisers are hoping that donations will also be made to the two benefiting charities, St Paul’s Church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
To take part, simply send your photos or short (maximum 1 minute) videos to mboakley@hotmail.co.uk, together with the name of your community group/school/company, prior to Friday 18 December, and the team will post them on the festival facebook page.
“If you have your own facebook page then please let us know so we can tag you in,” said Margaret. “And please do feel free to tag our facebook page @BedfordChristmasTreeFestival on any posts that you put up.
Please ensure you have all parental permissions if you are posting images or videos of any children.
