Hitchin's joyful Christmas tree festival has been hailed as a huge success - on its 25th birthday.

Our town's renowned festival showcasing Christmas trees came back to its usual place this year, after Covid interrupted the event in 2020, forcing displays to be featured in the town centre.

This weekend marked the 25th anniversary of the celebration, which returned to its traditional home, Holy Savour Church on Radcliffe Road.

Danny Pearson, NHC Community Engagement Officer for Hitchin told Nub News: "Last year the team at Holy Saviour Church managed to exhibit trees in and around town. They were displayed in vacant shop windows and were very much appreciated after such a difficult year.

"But this year the trees were back in the church at a safe and socially distanced event held over Saturday and Sunday.

"It was great to see the different trees back in their spiritual home. Exhibitors included local shops, charity groups, scouts, guides, and schools.

"I couldn't possibly pick a favourite as there were some fantastic trees on show, but I particularly liked the messages below the trees for North Herts Pride and the Next Page Books entries."

Visitors were also treated to a variety of music acts over the weekend including The Radcliffe Singers, the Holy Saviour Church Choir, and members from the Hitchin Chamber Orchestra.

Held every year since 1997 the event is believed to be the oldest established Christmas Tree Festival in Britain.

Danny added: "It was a real festive treat that never fails to disappoint.

"A big thank you and merry Christmas to all those who exhibited a tree and to the Holy Saviour Church team for managing to stage such a truly joyful event."