Christmas trees filled Halifax Minster, as its annual festival attracts hundreds of visitors through its doors.
The Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster, which took place last weekend for its sixth year, is firmly fixed in the calendar of the town and the borough of Calderdale.
Some 33 trees, all sponsored by private individuals, local businesses and public sector organisations adorned the ancient Benedictine Minster. One was sponsored by a couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, whilst another was sponsored by the Anne Lister Society in America.
All proceeds go towards paying parish share and supporting ministry, and the trees will stay in the Minster throughout December.
“Mission and outreach are very much a part of the festival here at Halifax,” said Andy Barber, the operations manager at Halifax Minster.
“The Minster sees its ministry very much as a spiritual hub for the town. It’s a place for people to gather, but it’s also a place where organisations can be together as well. As people come in to look at the wonderful trees, it generates lots of questions about faith.”
The Revd Sam Crook, curate at Halifax Minster, said, “The festival is an annual event that is a major focus for the town in the build up to Christmas.
“Visitors coming through the doors got a real sense of the wonder and awe of this building, enjoyed community with one another, as well as the hospitality of the Minster.”