It is a joyous annual event that provides a "truly wonderful" start to the Christmas season.

And there was plenty of festive cheer at the weekend as people flocked to St Mary's Church in Somerleyton. 

Visitors to the 2022 Christmas Tree Festival in Somerleyton were greeted by the aroma of mulled wine, spiced apple juice, warm mince pies, sausage rolls, cheese scones and more.

Lowestoft Journal: Ruth Copping with the tree she decorated.Ruth Copping with the tree she decorated. (Image: Mick Howes)

With trees having been decorated by various groups, the two-day festival transformed St Mary's Church on Saturday and Sunday (December 3-4). 

The annual festival has been held on the first weekend in December since 2010.

Lowestoft Journal: Displays at the Somerleyton Church Christmas Tree FestivalDisplays at the Somerleyton Church Christmas Tree Festival (Image: Mick Howes)

Churchwarden Mary Truman said: "Various groups including Somerleyton Estate, Somerleyton Strummers, the Women’s Link, the pre-school, the school, our own St. Mary’s Bellringers, Waveney Rush and friends of the church take part, from as far afield as Diss.

"Each tree is unique in that the decorations are often homemade and really beautifully crafted and, although we do not have the quantity of trees compared to Fakenham, for example, we do have the quality and input of love."

Lowestoft Journal: Somerleyton Church Christmas Tree FestivalSomerleyton Church Christmas Tree Festival (Image: Mick Howes)

Also featuring among the displays is a memorial tree where visitors are able to write the names of their lost loved ones and hang them on the tree.

"The trees stay in over Christmas and enhance the beauty of the church over the festive season," said Mrs Truman. 

"Each year we collect for local cancer charities and this year we raised £1,426.

"We love to welcome our visitors who come every year and catch up with the news of their families.

Lowestoft Journal: Tony Jones playing and singing seasonal songs.Tony Jones playing and singing seasonal songs. (Image: Mick Howes)

"They enjoy festive refreshments, buying Christmas gifts, preserves and so forth. It was a truly wonderful start to the Christmas season and the church’s year on the second weekend of Advent and the expectancy of the birth of our Saviour on Christmas Day."

A Christingle service held on the Sunday afternoon, together with carol singing around the village, raised £380 for the Children's Society.

Mrs Truman thanked all those who contributed to the festival for their support. 

The annual carol service at St Mary's will take place from 3pm on Sunday, December 11, to be followed by festive refreshments. All are welcome.