Last Friday and Saturday (10th & 11th December) St. John’s welcomed people of all ages who had travelled from near and far to enjoy our Charity Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Market.
The Festival was opened with entertainment by “Fisherman’s Friend” (see blog below). The Vicar, Philip, then welcomed everybody and said a prayer for the festival before Fisherman’s Friend invited young people to join them for the countdown to the great “Switch on” of the lights. 
The Church itself looked, and smelled, fantastic with over 35 Christmas trees glowing and twinkling in support of 33 charities. The atmosphere was peaceful and calm as well as containing a feeling of excitement and anticipation.
The Festival was opened with entertainment by “Fisherman’s Friend” (see blog below). The Vicar, Philip, then welcomed everybody and said a prayer for the festival before Fisherman’s Friend invited young people to join them for the countdown to the great “Switch on” of the lights. 
The Church itself looked, and smelled, fantastic with over 35 Christmas trees glowing and twinkling in support of 33 charities. The atmosphere was peaceful and calm as well as containing a feeling of excitement and anticipation.
Not only did the trees look marvellous but visitors were able to relax and enjoy a variety of entertainment, ably introduced by Clive Morris, throughout the weekend. (Please see separate blogs below.) They were also able to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market to unwind whilst soaking up the atmosphere or catch up with friends old and new.
We would like to thank all the many people who worked so hard in many different ways to make the Christmas Tree Festival the success it was, and all the lovely people who came through the church - without whom it wouldn’t have been!
We would like to thank all the many people who worked so hard in many different ways to make the Christmas Tree Festival the success it was, and all the lovely people who came through the church - without whom it wouldn’t have been!
In particular we must thank John Feneley for masterminding the event, Andy Pugh for keeping him sane and The Mayor of Sefton, Coucillor Maureen Fearn J.P. Together with her consort Mr Frank Winrow, she took time out of her busy schedule not only to see the tree that Birkdale Library had decorated to support her charity but also to tour the festival, visit and support every stall in the Christmas Market and have her lunch in the Café.
