The decorations have been taken down and the trees have gone but the legacy of Sheffield Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival will last well into 2023. That’s because the festival has raised more than £1,600 through donations made by visitors to the event.
The Cathedral encourages everyone visiting the festival to vote for their favourite tree. A staggering 5,039 votes were received with trees decorated by The Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Henderson’s Relish being voted the peoples’ favourite.
Jane Darby, Charity Fundraising Hub Officer said: “We are so grateful to have been voted this year’s favourite Charity at the Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival. We have taken part for the last three years, and love seeing our tree up in lights. The festival is a lovely part of Christmas and winning this year is just the best way to round off the festive period!”
The tree decorated by first time participant Henderson’s was voted favourite tree in the corporate category. Matt Davies, General Manager at Henderson’s said: “I’m delighted that the Henderson’s Relish tree was voted favourite corporate tree at the festival and very pleased to forward the £250 award to S6 Foodbank, Sheffield.”
Accepting the award, Chris Hardy manager of Sheffield S6 Foodbanks said: “We’re thrilled that Henderson’s have chosen us as the charity to receive the donation. This will go towards supporting people across our 11 sites in Sheffield whether it be food or ongoing support in areas such as debt advice, housing and utility bills.
“Every year the festival becomes more popular.” says Ben Rossi, Development Manager at the Cathedral. “As well as several local Sheffield businesses supporting the event, trees were decorated by school children, scouts, guides and cadets. There were also hospital, hospice and cancer charities involved and homelessness and environmental organisations. Many of this year’s participants have already registered for the 2023 festival because they enjoy taking part so much.
“It is a special time for the Cathedral and this Christmas our events and services were extremely well supported” said Ben. “Nearly 1,000 people filled the Cathedral for our annual Christmas Eve Carol Service while more than 8,500 people were captivated by our lightshow. Throughout the whole festive season anyone visiting the Cathedral were also able to enjoy 40 beautiful Christmas trees and any donations placed in the boxes under each tree have been passed onto the organisation responsible for decorating it.”
The Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival was supported by Utilita Energy Hub, etiCloud and Heavenly Coffee Company. Space in the Cathedral is limited so any business, charity or community group interested in participating in the 2023 festival should email arts@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk as soon as possible to register their interest.
