Members of the Church of Ireland churches in Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin and Maynooth are bringing in the Christmas spirit with a bumper Christmas Tree Festival. It will be held in Dunboyne from the 24th to 27th November. It will take place in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, the Parish Centre and church grounds.
Everyone is welcome to the Grand Opening at 8pm on 24 November, meeting in the centre of Dunboyne Village before joining a precession to St Peter’s Church where the church and grounds will be decorated with Christmas Trees and lights. There will be live music to enjoy and the opening will conclude with some Christmas refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
The Festival has ‘The Greatest Gift’ as its theme. Santa’s Grotto in the Parish Centre, at various times, as well as the availability of Soup and sandwich lunches or tea and coffee make a visit well worthwhile. There will also be a raffle for a Mega-Christmas hamper.
In the church the story of Christmas will be told through the medium of trees. Visitors will also be able to view trees created by local schools, community groups, local businesses and those that use the parish centre.
Each tree will be uniquely made or decorated to tell its part in the Christmas story. One of the most exciting aspects is the way it involves the whole community in finding a new way to tell its story.
There is no Admission charge, with visitors invited to give a donation. Funds raised will be divided between the host Churches as well Dunboyne Social services. This organisation meets local need, with funds being distributed by the local Catholic parish.
St Peter’s and the Parish Centre will be open for viewing on Friday 25th November from 1pm to 9pm. On Saturday 27th viewing is from 10am to 6pm.
Alongside the trees there will be a Christmas market with over 25 stalls on the Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., and a smaller market on Sunday from 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. There will also be live music at various times throughout the Festival.
On Sunday the Festival opens from 12.30pm. It will finish that afternoon with a Christmas Songs of Praise at 4.00 pm, marking a true community celebration.
