Historic Kirkcaldy church unveils indoor Christmas tree festival

Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is planning to have its own little festive forest indoors this year, bringing light to the town centre from December 20 to 23.

On those days in the afternoon, from 2:00-4.30pm and in the evening, from 7:00-9:00pm, the church will be open for locals to visit and they are invited to make their way through the sparkling trees to the sound of Christmas music to catch the magical atmosphere and find a nativity scene.

As well as catching a glimpse of a snowman in the air or encountering Scrooge, there will also be a postbox for children to post their letters to Santa and a chance to share in photographic memories of past Old Kirk Nativity plays on display.

Christmas music will be provided live on the organ in the afternoons, and onscreen, recorded, in the evenings, with contributions from local musicians and singers.

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Rosemary Potter, chairman of the Old Kirk Trust, said the trees are sponsored and decorated by groups who meet in the Kirk and by local businesses and she has invited any local businesses who would like to donate a tree, or sponsor one, to contact her on 07847 324084 or email her at [email protected].

She said: “This year because of the Scottish Government restrictions on gatherings, Kirkcaldy Old Kirk cannot have our usual programme of Christmas concerts and events, with our big Christmas tree to delight visitors.

"In these circumstances we also have very little income from donations, which barely covers our insurance and heating costs.“But while lockdown and restrictions have taken away our usual rental and event income, we still want to offer something to raise people's spirits at Christmas.

"We want to remind them that in the middle of the darkness of anxiety, loss and fear, there is love and hope."

There will be a special memory tree for those who want to remember a loved one who has died by adding a star or message and an opportunity to add a decoration to the prayer tree in mind of someone kept by Covid restrictions at a distance, or ill.

The festival is free but donations welcome. The event will adhere to level three covid protection guidelines.

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