FAMILIES flocked to Christmas tree festivals hosted by churches across south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

They kicked off Advent by seeing hundreds of trees that were beautifully decorated and illuminated by local schools, charities, businesses and community groups.

Many of the festivals took place on the weekend of December 5-7, which meant the festive arrangements, live music, mulled wine and mince pies gave visitors their first taste of Christmas.

Among them was the Christmas tree festival at St Cuthbert's Church, Copnor, which saw a selection of illuminated trees scattered across the nave for the 15th year in a row. They were decorated by local children's groups, charities and community groups, including the GP surgery and toddler group based in the church building. 

Claire Cleaver brought her own children - Elsie, aged 7, and Bertie, aged 4 - to see the tree decorated by her group, Pineapple Tots Childcare, based in Kirby Road. It's the fifth year she's been involved.

"I bring the children from Pineapple Tots here, and my own children, each year," she said. "It's a lovely way to begin the whole Advent and Christmas period, and we love the chutneys, the raffles, the home-made cakes, and everything else. It's great that the children know the routine, and can go off and do their crafts. And there is a real community spirit around the event as well."

The 2025 festival raised money for Second Chance, a charity working with local children who may need special help. It included live music from the Pompey Pluckers, St Aidan's Choir, the Academy Voice Choir and more. And Santa also visited on each of the three days it took place.