CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and Tavistock's parish church will once again be setting the scene for the beginning of the festive season.

The Friends of St Eustachius' are delighted to announce that they are already busy organising the hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival, in which more than 60 local businesses, groups and charities will decorate a tree to reflect their organisations.

The festival will run from Friday, November 29, coinciding with the town's Dickensian Evening, until Sunday, December 8. It will be opened at 2.30pm by a special guest, yet to be confirmed, and will conclude with a Christingle service at 4pm on December 8.

Various musical events will take place throughout the festival to add to the enjoyment of viewing the glittering array of trees.

The opening hours will be between 10.30am and 4.30pm each day, with the exception of the opening day and Friday, December 6, and the two Sundays.

Anyone attending the church morning services on the Sundays will also be able to enjoy the spectacle and services will take place at 8am and 9.45am. A small entry charge will apply for adults, however children can enter for free.

There will be light refreshments on sale throughout the event.

On Dickensian Evening the Friends will be serving mulled wine and mince-pies.

The Friends are delighted with the success of previous festivals, with more than 6,000 people visiting each year, and are hoping for even greater visitor numbers this year.