PRESTATYN Tree Festival will not take place again this year but there is a glimmer of hope it will return in 2023. 

The previous organisers are no longer able to put all the effort needed into the event. 

Reverend David Ash, vicar of Prestatyn, is calling on members of the community to join the planning committee to make sure the event can spring back into life next year. The event went virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Reverend Ash said: "2023 will also be the 160th anniversary of the Parish Church, Christ Church, where the event has taken place. It will take a series of meetings with actions inbetween, so starting early in the new year will be necessary."

Anyone interested is asked to telephone rev Ash on 01745 776355 or davidash@cinw.org.uk

Despite this set back, the church has a whole host of other events planned. 

Christmas Fair

'Deck the Halls' the Christ Church, Prestatyn, Christmas Fair will be on Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December 17 10.30am until 3pm in the Parish Community Hall, with Santa on Saturday.

Also on Saturday 17 there will be an attempt by the North Gywnedd Bellringers Association at a peal of the Christ Church bells in tribute to Her Majesty the late Queen for her long service.  

This involves ringing every combination of the bells in sequence so will take nearly three hours, starting at 10am.

Christmas Crafternoon

On Saturday, December 17 from 1pm until 3pm at CHS (the Church of the Holy Spirit in Victoria Road, Prestatyn) there will be a free crafting event for adults and children alike.  

Parishioners are invited to come and make various items on the theme of 'stars' with the materials all provided. As well as plenty to take home, there will be the opportunity to leave one for display in church in memory of someone you are missing this Christmas.  

All are very welcome.

Carols for All

There will be a Contemporary Carol Service at CHS (the Church of the Holy Spirit in Victoria Road, Prestatyn), at 4pm on Sunday, December 18. There will be some traditional carols along with some newer ones and a series of short seasonal readings, poems and prayers.  

There will also be mince pies and mulled wine afterwards.

Nine Lessons and Carols

The annual carol service at Christ Church Prestatyn is a service of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight at 6pm on Sunday, December 18.

Rev Ash said: "As the title suggests it will be the nine traditional readings, with various community figures taking part and carols led by our organist Huw Ellis-Williams. All are welcome to experience the story of Christmas read from the King James version of the bible and many well known carols.  

"Do come along for a good sing, but do wrap up warmly, as other than the candles, there is no heating."

Carols Around the Crib

On Christmas Eve at Christ Church, Prestatyn there will be a Carols Around the Crib Service at 4pm, which is a popular family orientated time including rather energetic versions of 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' alongside the more calming 'Silent Night' and 'Away in a Manger'.  

As above, parishioners are advised to wrap up warmly.

Christmas Eve

For those who can't make the Midnight Communion there is an 'Early Midnight Communion' at 6pm at CHS (the Church of the Holy Spirit in Victoria Road, Prestatyn).

Rev Ash said: "We pretend that it is six hours later and welcome in Christmas Morning a little early.

"The traditional Midnight Communion will be at Christ Church, Prestatyn starting at 11.30pm.  It is so good to be able to hold this festive favourite again and for those who may make this their one service of the year - we'd love to welcome you back. For many who have travelled distances to be with family for Christmas, this has become a family tradition worth continuing together.  

"For those still awake, it makes a worthwhile break from any unfinished gift wrapping.  

"I always find it a very poignant and powerful way to start Christmas", added rev Ash.

Christmas Morning

For those up early there is a short Family Celebration at 9.30am at CHS (the Church of the Holy Spirit in Victoria Road, Prestatyn), followed by a simple Holy Communion at approximately 10am.

Similarly for those up a little later there is a short family celebration at 10.45am at Christ Church, Prestatyn, followed by a simple Holy Communion at approximately 11.15am.

Christmas Bells

Rev Ash said: "A number of people have been commenting positively and are delighted that the bells are back playing tunes on the quarter hour at Christ Church, Prestatyn.  

"There are currently some carols for Christmas, so how many of them do you recognise?  No prizes, just a bit of festive fun."