HUNDREDS of people flocked to Alderley Edge last weekend as the annual Christmas tree festival returned for 2016.

Dozens of beautifully decorated trees lined up in Alderley Edge Methodist Church, as both young and old in the village came together to celebrate Advent.

Crowds were entertained by several musical performances, including the Roberts Bakery brass band, before the weekend was wrapped up with carols by the trees.

Judy Povey, from Alderley Edge Methodist Church, told the Guardian that this year’s festival was one of the best yet.

“It went very well indeed, we had so many different things going on throughout the weekend,” she said.

“Lots of people who visited commented to say it was probably the best Christmas tree festival since we started it in 2009.

“This year the trees were fantastic, and some of the ideas people had relating to the theme were very innovative.”

This year’s theme for the festival was ‘love, joy, peace and hope’, with members of the church hoping to inspire a heartwarming message before Christmas.

“I think we are very conscious of what is going on in the world around us, in places like Syria which are war-torn, so we wanted to offer this theme for the year,” Judy said.

“Many people stuck to that theme with their trees, which was fantastic.

“Some of the messages that the children had written on their decorations were really thoughtful, and we were amazed by their kind words.

“It’s an incredible thing what makes people feel joyful and happy, and to have hope – it really was magical.”