Festive cheer will return to town this month as a popular tradition celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Thousands of people have turned out to enjoy the very popular Christmas Tree Festival, hosted by Hungate Church in Beccles, each year.

And 2022 will be extra special as the event marks its 20th year of displaying trees decorated by local groups, schools and organisations.

After organisers had expressed their delight at the success of last year's event, the 20th anniversary of the festival will see a "dazzling spectacle" of more than 50 trees showcased over a weekend of festive fun.

Beccles & Bungay Journal:

The 20th anniversary Hungate Church Christmas Tree Festival will run from November 25 to November 27.

Residents and visitors to Beccles can enjoy displays of more than 50 trees when the church throws open its doors on Friday, November 25.

And with the festival continuing throughout the Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite trees in the adult and children’s categories.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Hungate Christmas Tree Festival posterHungate Christmas Tree Festival poster (Image: Hungate Church)

With the Christmas Tree Festival having become a firm favourite on the town's calendar over its 20-year history, many describe it as the start of Christmas.

Brenda Sigsworth, who organises the festival, said: “When we started in 2003, it was a relatively small-scale affair, and we had no idea it would become so popular.

"In recent years, we have been so pleased to see thousands of people coming through the doors of the church to see the trees, bringing the community together in a unique way.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Summer Stephens, eight, and her brother Ellis, four, study the tree by the New Life Fellowship at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

"It’s always impressive to see the imagination and creativity that goes into designing the trees, which reflect different aspects of Christmas and the town of Beccles.

"We are pleased that so many of our local schools join in by decorating a tree, and 2022 will be no different.

"This year, we are going to be displaying a very special 20th anniversary tree, decorated with small trees; one for each sponsor who has decorated a tree since 2003.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Co-ordinators Brenda and John Sigsworth with their tree, at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

"Please join us if you can – everyone is welcome!”

Admission to the festival is £2 per adult, with all accompanied children free.

The Stable Café will also be open in the church throughout the weekend.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Two-year-old Henry Orr discovers the teddies under one of the trees at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

The winning trees will be announced at the end of the festival and on its Facebook page.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Hungate Christmas Tree Festival is the first to be held in person since 2019 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Co-ordinators Brenda and John Sigsworth with their tree, at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in BecclesCo-ordinators Brenda and John Sigsworth with their tree, at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles (Image: Denise Bradley)