Each year at the end of November, Wesley Place Methodist Church opens its doors to thousands of visitors for its annual Christmas Tree Festival.

The Christmas Tree Festival is one of the highlights of Alsager's street fair, which accompanies the turn on of the Christmas lights in the village.

Over 40 Christmas trees are decorated by organisations and businesses in Alsager and provide a magical display of the power of light at this time of the year. Last year there was 47 trees.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, the festival in its usual form with music, food, sales tables, and a model railway that enchants visitors will not be able to go ahead this year.

However, the organisers of the event have told Nub News that a virtual festival will be held to "bring some joy during this most difficult year".

Schools, charities, and businesses in Alsager have been contacted to see if they wish to take part.

The organisers will have trees delivered to the church car park and those organisations wishing to join in can sponsor and collect a tree. Trees need to be pre-ordered by Friday (30 October).

Organisations can decorate the tree in their premises in any appropriate way and email two or three photographs to the Christmas Tree Festival team.

The photos will be made into a slideshow which will be available for the community to see on the Wesley Place website and Facebook page.

A link can also be provided to sponsors' own websites.

Additionally, the slideshow will be shown on a screen inside the front of the church. The front vestibule will be decorated to display the "real meaning of Christmas".

The Christmas Tree Festival organisers are considering further ideas and will be keeping the community informed.