CHRISTMAS trees took over a west Reading church on Saturday for a special celebration event.
St Mark’s in Cranbury Road opened its doors for a festive fir celebration.
Groups, businesses and individuals decorated trees for people to admire, while the church choir led carols singing sessions around them.
And the event also saw them leave the building to take part in a wassail on the streets around the church.
People could enjoy seasonal refreshments and vote for their favourite tree.
Church administrator Jackie John said: “It was amazing.
“There are two churches in our parish, All Saints and St Mark’s, and some people think St Mark’s is closed, so one of the reasons was to show people we’re still open.
“We have a wonderful choir, and this was a chance for them to hear the beautiful music they make.”
She said they have held a festival once or twice before, but this was one of the most successful.
“It was a lovely community event,” she added.
The church is already making plans for next year, but first it has its Christmas services.
At 4pm on Christmas Eve, there will be a Christingle in All Saints Church.
Then, at 9.30pm in St Mark’s church hall, there will be a first mass of Christmas, with a midnight mass at All Saints from 11.30pm.
A joint parish service takes place at All Saints on Christmas Day from 10am.
For more details, search facebook.com for StMarkandAllSaintsReading
