More than 1,000 twinkling lights will illuminate a giant Christmas tree to help raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
Standing well over 50ft high, the tree can be found in the front garden of Inkberrow residents Avril and Christopher Rowlands – and will be switched on this Sunday, December 1.
The whole community is invited to the Grand Lighting Up at 6.30pm, which will feature a vintage roundabout, fireworks, a steam traction engine, mince pies and more. Thereafter, the tree will be lit every evening until January 6.
A collection is held for a different charity each year – and the chosen cause for 2019 is St Richard’s Hospice. Donations can be left at either of the two pubs in Inkberrow, the village shop or the Post Office.
Mrs Rowlands said: “I think the whole hospice movement is such an amazing and worthwhile thing. It is nice to be able to do this to support St Richard’s.
“Aside from the charity aspect, illuminating the tree is very much a thing for the village which has no street lights. People say it is the start of their Christmas.”
The money raised by this year’s collection will go towards helping the hospice fund its care to patients living with serious, progressive illnesses, their loved ones and bereaved people across Worcestershire.
Tricia Cavell, Fundraising Director, said: “We are so excited to see this magnificent tree illuminated in all its festive glory this Sunday.
“Avril and Christopher have done such tremendous fundraising work in the past and we are very grateful to them for choosing to support St Richard’s this year.
“Without the support of people like these and the community around them, we couldn’t continue to fund our care to people when they need us most.”
The Grand Lighting Up event is at Laxford House, Poplar Piece, Inkberrow, WR7 4JD.
To find out more about the tree’s history, visit avrilrowlands.co.uk/christmas