Pictures: Tree-mendous festival treats in store at St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny

St Canice’s Cathedral is opening its doors to a forest of Christmas trees tomorrow (Thursday).

Many groups, families and individuals have been busy designing their entries and they will be displayed in the majestic setting of the Cathedral until December 6.

This is a huge community event with trees appearing out of homes, workplaces, schools, nursing homes and special needs groups. The artistic talent throughout Kilkenny is second to none, all culminating in this wonderful event.

Throughout the festival, people can learn about St Nicholas, have fun in the children’s hour, listen to live Christmas music, browse the seasonal stalls, buy a raffle ticket for hampers, climb the bell tower and relax with a cuppa. On Friday, from 2 to 3pm, there will be a quiet hour where families can come for a peaceful time to view the trees.

The committee has been working hard in preparation and appreciates the work of volunteers. This will be the first Christmas in Kilkenny for Dean Stephen Farrell, who is looking forward to his first ever Tree Festival - he may not know for certain what it is, but he’ll certainly be pleasantly surprised!

The chosen charity for this year’s Festival is Teac Tom, to which a donation will be made. This is a local and vital service in Kilkenny for those with mental health or those affected by suicide. Kilkenny Parish Union also will benefit for constant repairs and maintenance. Organisers will also have a ‘Giving Tree’ where people can give food and toiletry donations to those less privileged in the community.

The festival runs from tomorrow (Thursday) to Tuesday. It is open from 10am to 6.30pm each day except for Sunday, which will be open from 2 to 6.30pm. Admission is €10 for a family, €4 for adults (€3.50 with concession) and €2 for children.

The festival will be launched at 11am tomorrow by Mayor David Fitzgerald and the new Church of Ireland Bishop, Adrian Wilkinson.

On Friday Canon Richard Marsh, will give a talk on St Nicholas at 3.15pm. That will be followed by some Christmas carols from the Cathedral Choir at 6pm, which will get everyone into the festive spirit.

On Saturday it will be time for the children to meet Ms Claus, share storytime and songs with Hansel and decorate cookies at 10.30am. Anyone who misses this on Saturday, can come along on Sunday at 3.15pm.

Climb the Tower
Climbing the Bell tower is special, as it’s not normally open to the public. This can be done at 3pm on Saturday and again at 3.30pm on Sunday. On Sunday there will be live music at 2pm from the Quartet Pagano at the Cathedral Christmas Tree.

All are invited to make a trip up the hill to the Cathedral and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the season of Advent.