With Bonfire Night and Halloween behind us, the excitement for Christmas festivities is beginning to build up.

And in Beccles that is certainly the case as people are invited to celebrate Hungate Church’s ever-popular Christmas tree festival.

The event will be lighting up a weekend of festive fun and starting the countdown to Christmas.

Celebrating its 21st year, visitors to the Beccles church can enjoy the dazzling spectacle of 55 trees, lovingly decorated by schools, churches, businesses and townsfolk.

The festival starts on Friday, November 24 and continues throughout Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26.

The Christmas tree festival has become a firm favourite at the heart of the annual light switching-on celebration, with many describing it as the start of seasonal celebrations.

Eastern Daily Press: Hungate Church is set to be packed with decorated trees for the 21st festivalHungate Church is set to be packed with decorated trees for the 21st festival (Image: Chris Pyburn)

Organisers of this year’s event are delighted to be welcoming even more trees to Hungate Church this year.

READ MORE: Joy at Beccles church's 20th anniversary of Christmas Tree Festival

Brenda Sigsworth said: “We’re pleased that so many schools, churches and businesses continue to support the festival, which is a special occasion for the Beccles community and a celebration of Christmas.

"Thousands of people enjoy coming to see the trees, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

"Please join us if you can – everyone is welcome.”

Admission to the festival is £2 per adult, with all accompanied children welcome for free. Visitors can vote for their favourite trees in the adult and children’s categories.

Eastern Daily Press: Come along and get into the festive mood at the town's annual eventCome along and get into the festive mood at the town's annual event (Image: Nick Butcher)

Eastern Daily Press: Lillie-Mae Vyse, nine, with a picture of herself on the Centenatree by the 1st Beccles Brownies at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles, as the pack celebrates their centenary.Lillie-Mae Vyse, nine, with a picture of herself on the Centenatree by the 1st Beccles Brownies at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles, as the pack celebrates their centenary. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Stable Café will also be open in the church throughout the weekend, offering refreshments and food and the chance for visitors to mull over their tree highlights.

READ MORE: Thousands gather to see town's Christmas lights turned on

Full opening times for Hungate’s Christmas Tree Festival are:

· Friday November 24, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm

· Saturday November 25, 9.30am to 4.30pm

· Sunday November 26, 12.30pm to 4.30pm

The winning trees will be announced at the end of the festival and on Facebook.

Hungate Church is located at Hungate Lane.

Eastern Daily Press: Summer Stephens, eight, and her brother Ellis, four, study the tree by the New Life Fellowship at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles.Summer Stephens, eight, and her brother Ellis, four, study the tree by the New Life Fellowship at the Hungate Church Christmas tree festival in Beccles. (Image: Denise Bradley)