CHESTER Cathedral’s Christmas season is about to throw open its doors as the annual Christmas Tree Festival commences.

The festival – a Chester family favourite - is returning for it’s seventh year, and allows visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of the festive period and lose themselves in the cloisters - beautifully transformed into tree-lined winter walkways.

However, for 2019, the cathedral invited participating schools and companies to incorporate elements of re-cycling, to consider sustainability and to use items that have had a previous life, bringing the festival to be dubbed the Christmas Tree-cycled Festival!

“I was surprised by the level of creativity applied to last year’s Christmas trees, and am excited to see how our festival partners step up to our 2019 challenge. I’m sure our visitors will be equally thrilled – as they can vote for their favourite tree.” Outlines the Dean of Chester, Dr Tim Stratford.

“Once again, the festival is proud to support a local charity, though for 2019, we will be supporting both Stick ‘n’ Step and Adoption Matters.” adds the Dean.

The Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival opens to the public tomorrow, and is open daily until Sunday, January 5.

Further Christmas events include:

Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 December | 7.30pm

Candlelit Carols Concert

As the cathedral shimmers by candlelight, the Cathedral Choir, directed by Philip Rushforth, will sing a selection of new and traditional carols for all to enjoy. There will also be seasonal readings and a chance for all to join in and sing some festive songs and carols.

Tickets £5 - £20

Tickets from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, by calling 01244 500 959 or clicking to: chestercathedral.com/events

Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December

The Snowman | various times each day

Make it a Magical Christmas… Immerse yourself in the irresistible animated tale The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. A heart-warming experience that brings more than a snowman to life, and featuring the much-loved classic ‘Walking in the Air’. A festive favourite for the whole family.

The event also features a second animation, The Nutcracker Suite. Perhaps the most Christmassy of all festive music, Tchaikovsky’s

stunning score is brought to life by Tom Scott’s enchanting

animated film.

Tickets £12 - £28

Tickets from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, by calling 01244 500 959 or clicking to: chestercathedral.com/events

Saturday 28 December

Candlelit Tour of the Cathedral | 8pm

Make it a Magical Christmas… Immerse yourself in the irresistible animated tale The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. A heart-warming experience that brings more than a snowman to life, and featuring the much-loved classic ‘Walking in the Air’. A festive favourite for the whole family.

The event also features a second animation, The Nutcracker Suite. Perhaps the most Christmassy of all festive music, Tchaikovsky’s

stunning score is brought to life by Tom Scott’s enchanting

animated film.

Tickets £12 - £28

Tickets from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, by calling 01244 500 959 or clicking to: chestercathedral.com/events