A CHURCH is set to fill its halls with a festive forest as it gears up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

The event, hosted by St Edburg’s Church, in Bicester, will be even bigger this year as 80 decorated trees line the inside of the church.

Town mayor Lynn Pratt will officially open the festival at 10am on Friday.

The Rev Verena Breed, Rector of St Edburg’s, said: “Christmas trees are symbols of love, home and family. We are delighted to welcome people to St Edburg’s to share in this festival of beautifully decorated trees.”

Each tree has been sponsored and decorated by individuals, businesses and local organisations such as Bicester Local History Society, Bicester Village and Bicester Library. There will also be a treasure hunt through the trees for children, as well as music and carols at 6pm on Sunday to close the festival.

It runs from 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Sunday.

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