TAVISTOCK Christmas Tree Festival will not take place this year but Christmas is still very much on the town’s agenda.

Tavistock BID is currently working on ideas to incorporate the spirit of the tree festival and Dickensian Evening, also cancelled because of coronavirus, into more socially distanced festivities this year.

Over the past 11 years the Christmas tree festival organised by the Friends of St Eustachius’ Church has raised more than £100,000 and brings 10,000 people through the doors each November/December.

Last year more than 60 trees adorned the parish church decorated by businesses, organisations and individuals and the event has beome synonymous with Dickensian Evening, held in the first week of December.

Friends of St Eustachius’ Church member Judy Hirst said a lot of people had started to ask about having trees to decorate for the festival so she wanted to let people know publically that the event would not be taking place.

‘Unfortunately we cannot hold the festival because of social distancing rules but it will be back with a vengeance in 2021,’ she said.

Meanwhile Tavistock BID is asking businesses if they can decorate a tree and display it in their own premises this year or host a tree for an organisation or charity.

There will be a Christmas tree trail to see all the trees and people will be asked to give a donation when they pick up a Christmas tree trail leaflet.

BID manager Janna Sanders said: ‘The Christmas tree festival in Tavistock is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the church so we hope the trail will raise some funds for them.

‘The essence of the festival remains the same — it’s about celebrating Christmas together — we just have to do it a little differently this year.’