Residents in Hartington are gearing up to celebrate the festive season with a host of special Christmas events next month.
The Christmas tree festival will make a welcome return to St Giles Church on Saturday 2nd December, with a number of other events taking place in the heart of the small community, near to the Duck Pond. From 12 noon, there will be a Christmas tractor run; and from 2 to 6pm, the Manifold Valley Bygones Club – which is based in Hartington – is set to showcase vintage engines and machinery, as well as offering steam traction engine rides around the pond.
From 3 to 5pm, Father Christmas will be making a very special guest appearance in the village to offer sleigh rides to young children and families. The official switch on of the Christmas tree lights will take place at 4.00pm on the village green, followed by the switch on of tree lights at the church at 4.30pm, where mulled wine and mince pies will be served.
The Christmas tree festival continues on Sunday 3rd December from 11am to 4pm. During the same time, guests can also enjoy Hartington C of E Primary School’s PTFA Christmas fair, with refreshments, stalls, and a raffle, this will be from 12 noon to 4pm. Father Christmas has also promised to visit us between 2-4pm.
Liz Broomhead MBE, a Harington resident who’s been involved in helping to organise the festivities, said: “The theme for this year’s Christmas tree festival is ‘Happy Christmas’ and we want local groups and businesses to decorate trees using their imagination with anything that depicts special memories or moments of the celebration. We’re delighted to accept donations from organisations to decorate a tree; every single penny of money raised will be going towards the village’s community group which provides a forum for all groups, supporting them with an opportunity for communication, cooperation and co-ordination. Representation includes those from the local art club, badminton, bell ringers, Royal British Legion, crafts, history group, young people’s activity club, Oddfellows and wells dressings.”
The festival closes on Friday 15th December in the Village Hall where carol singing will take place before a small buffet and mulled wine is served – and hopefully a special guest appearance from the big guy in red once again!
