Hitchin's much-loved Christmas Tree Festival is set to go ahead this year - but in a different form.

Holy Saviour Church on Radcliffe Road, which has hosted the event since 1997, are asking retailers and businesses in Hitchin town centre if they can offer a window space for an exhibitor's tree, or curate one themselves and be included.

They are in the process of contacting retailers and agents of empty properties - while also having enthusiastic responses from previous exhibitors.

A programme will be published for sale listing the trees and their locations so you can follow the trail, with the trees lit every afternoon and evening.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, with the possibility that some trees will remain in windows in the build-up to Christmas.

In previous years, the popular event attracted more than 2,000 people over the weekend it was held - with organisers stating it is the country's oldest Christmas Tree festival.

Past events would see 50 trees set around the church, each decorated by an individual, school, family, local group or business to illustrate a theme of their choice, leading to a magical Christmas atmosphere, complemented by live music and teas and hot food served in the hall.

If you are an interested retailer with available window space and have not been contacted yet you are asked to email [email protected]

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