A CHURCH in Tadley is set to bring some much-needed light to winter nights this Christmas.

As the community prepares for Christmas, the weekend of November 25 to 27 St Mary’s church in Tadley will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

There will be a magical forest, story time with Santa, lots of stalls and cake, something St Mary’s is well known for as the only church to have cake in its mission statement in the area.

Organisations and charities will display illuminated trees and winter wonderland scenes in the church, whilst outside, the labyrinth, which last year featured on BBC's Songs of Praise and Gardener’s World will be lit. Stalls will display a range of crafts, as well as tombola’s and raffles and cream teas will be served.   

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There will also be free story times with Santa and craft activities for all ages throughout the weekend.

Reverend Steve McKay, minister at St Mary’s, said: “We are so excited to run this event for the second year. Last year’s Christmas tree festival saw over 2000 people attending. We love to bring light to our community. Winter Wonderland is free but any donations will be put towards our building project which begins next year. 

"We are aiming to bring the facilities at St Mary’s up to date for all the community to use as well as improving access for disabled people and increasing the church’s green credentials. Everyone is invited to this event; I think we all need some light in our lives.”

Winter Wonderland is free to enter and you can visit: Friday, November 25 3.30pm to 9pm, Saturday, November 26 10am to 8pm and Sunday, November 27 midday to 5pm.  

Everyone is welcome.