More than 2,500 people turned out for a Christmas Tree Festival at Hitchin’s Holy Saviour Church on Saturday and Sunday.

The Comet: Pam Rhodes from BBC's Songs of Praise attended the Hitchin Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Clare FleckPam Rhodes from BBC's Songs of Praise attended the Hitchin Christmas Tree Festival. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)

The festival offered a display of 50 decorated trees and a grand light switch on, as well as lunch and refreshments.

One of the organisers, Clare Fleck, said: “It was a fantastic weekend thanks to all the hard work of all who took part to make the weekend happen and to all of our many visitors.

The Comet: Visitors including Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami. Picture: Gill ChidgeyVisitors including Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami. Picture: Gill Chidgey (Image: Archant)

“It’s lovely to see people delighting in the trees and this year was a really bumper crop with so much creativity and variety in the decorations.

“People often tell us that the festival starts their Christmas.”

The Comet: Guides went along to enjoy the festival at the weekend. Picture: Clare FleckGuides went along to enjoy the festival at the weekend. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)

The trees were decorated and donated to the festival by individuals and groups from across the town.

Highbury Infant School’s tree, named ‘I’m Loving Angels’ was voted the most popular by visitors, followed by Fantasia, by Patience Pascal and Winds of Change by Oliver Russell Electrical Ltd.

The Comet: The tree decorated by Highbury Infact School students was voted most popular by guests. Picture: Clare FleckThe tree decorated by Highbury Infact School students was voted most popular by guests. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)

The Comet: There were 50 different trees on display at the Holy Saviour Church. Picture: Clare FleckThere were 50 different trees on display at the Holy Saviour Church. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Visitors turned out in their thousands to the Hitchin Christmas Tree Festival at the weekend. Picture: Clare FleckVisitors turned out in their thousands to the Hitchin Christmas Tree Festival at the weekend. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Visitors young and old enjoyed the Christmas Tree Festival in Hitchin. Picture: Clare FleckVisitors young and old enjoyed the Christmas Tree Festival in Hitchin. Picture: Clare Fleck (Image: Archant)