When did the festival begin? The first festival was in 2003
How many trees in the first year? In 2003 there were 57 trees
How many trees now? 2006 saw 112 trees
Who judges the competition? Visitors are given a voting slip and they vote for their favourite tree. There are 4 categories:
Best group tree
Best individual tree
Best children's group tree
Best individual child's entry
Who enters the trees? Participants are from just about every kind of group that you can think of: nursery groups, schools, Brownies, Guides, clubs, the police force, old peoples homes, local businesses and, of course, individuals.
Literally there are entries from age 3 to 90+. The names of the entries are very often a play on words, e.g. the police tree was 'Special Branch', the book group had 'Litertree', we had one entry which was called 'Virtual Realitree' (a power point presentation of children's drawings of trees). Then there was 'Entree' and 'No Entry'.
What happens to the money which is raised by the Festival? The money raised is divided between the two Anglican churches in the town. In addition there is always a 'Charity Tree'. This tree has a collection box and the money goes to them. The committee choose a charity to support: one year local, next year national. In 2003 the chosen charity was RNLI, (Brightlingsea is a sailing community). In 2004 the chosen charity was Brightlingsea Family Support Group.
How much has been raised for charities over the years?
2003 £3834 + plus RNLI collection
2004 £4250 + Brightlingsea Family Support Group
2005 £5700 + Arthritis Research Group
2006 £6750 + 4 Youth
What other attractions are there? Our festival has non-stop music throughout the 2 days. Again, the musicians are drawn from all age groups: children learning the piano practise a Christmas Carol to perform, a local musician plays Jazz, last year there were choirs from the junior school and from Essex University, we had an organ recital and music from a brass quartet.
We also have a wonderful refreshments stall, with amazing home-made cakes.
The festival finishes with a full church for carol singing.
It is great fun, a true community event, with over 250 people helping over the two days.
