A DAZZLING array of Christmas trees will go on display in Otley next week.

The town’s 2014 Christmas Tree Festival will have 40 trees on display at All Saints Parish Church from Wednesday, December 10, to Saturday, December 13.

As always, a wide selection of Otley’s charities and local community groups have been invited to decorate each one – and visitors are invited to make a donation to their favourites.

The trees can be viewed between 10am and 6pm daily, and festival organiser and former Otley Chamber of Trade chairman Tim Wilkinson is hoping for a turnout to match last year.

He said: “The first three years of the event have really caught the imagination, with about 3,000 people attending last year.

“And the comments left in our visitor book really warm the heart. A good few of our visitors last year were from further afield than West Yorkshire, and had come from places like Manchester, Sheffield, Ripon, Leicester, Grimsby and Oldham.

“We even had a lady from the Netherlands, whose son was christened here on Christmas Eve, 16 years ago.

“As usual, though, most of last year’s visitors were lifelong locals, some of whom commented that they had never been inside the church but were now glad they had as it was the perfect setting – and the calm atmosphere of carols and festive music really made their Christmas.

“The festival has been so enthusiastically received it just had to be expanded this year to include 40 trees, to accommodate the host of community groups that have contacted us to ask to take part.

“We now have a waiting list of groups wanting to decorate a tree, so our only limitation is the size of the building!”

New participants this year include the Donkey Sanctuary, Autism First and Chernobyl Children’s Project, with each of the voluntary groups choosing their own theme for their tree.

Live music went down well at the 2013 festival, and will return this time with carols and other seasonal music performed by a variety of musicians.

Performers will include: Guiseley Brass; choirs from St Joseph’s, Westgate, The Whartons and All Saints primary schools; the Fairfax Singers; Otley Townswomen’s Guild Choir; Chevin Handbell Ringers; and the Courthouse Choir.

Also taking part will be Martin Campey and Michael Rhodes on organ and keyboard, along with Otley Acapella Choir and Otley Ukulele Orchestra.

Deputy town mayor Councillor Phillip Bye (Lib Dem, West Chevin) will cut the ceremonial tinsel to declare the event officially open at noon on Wednesday.

Mr Wilkinson said he was grateful to the local businesses who have supported the festival by contributing materials, and especially Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centre for supplying the trees and Print Crew for producing leaflets and posters.

He added: “Otley Chamber will also again be lighting up mature trees in the churchyards and on main routes into the town.

“A twinkling Otley makes for a better place to visit and do a spot of Christmas shopping.”