Tree festival in Broughshane

A Christingle Service will also be held on Sunday, November 30, at 6pm.

The forthcoming festival will be the first Christmas Tree Festival in the parish and will be officially opened by Ballymena Mayor, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE on Thursday evening at 7pm.

The theme of the three-day event, which is being held in preparation for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the consecration of the church in 2015, will be “The Word of the Lord”.

The Christmas Tree has been a symbol of Christmas dating back as far as the 12 century; Christians were decorating Christmas Trees to symbolise what Christmas meant to them.

The Very Reverend John Bond, Dean of Connor and Rector said: “This is a very special event and one which we hope will be enjoyed by the whole community as we approach Advent and prepare to celebrate the Festive season. “St. Patrick’s Church is the perfect setting for such an occasion and a huge investment of effort went into planning and preparations behind the scenes.

“We trust the Festival will help us to rediscover the meaning and message of God’s unique and unconditional love in the gift of His Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.” said Dean Bond.

All are welcome and the church will be open each day from 12 noon-8pm and on Friday until 9.30pm.

Refreshments will be served in the parish hall and group bookings can be made. For further details please contact Sadie Johnston on 25861215.