The Christmas season in Falmouth will kick off in style with the return of the annual Christmas Tree Festival at the Princess Pavilion this weekend.

Local community groups are busy crafting their handmade decorations for the event, which promises to be a highlight of the festive season.

A&P Falmouth Ltd, along with A&P Cluster Support and A&P Port Operations, is proud to once again sponsor the festival, covering the costs of trees and lights for the event.

The festival will officially open on Sunday, December 1 at 5pm with a performance by the Perran Rebells Bell Ringers, followed by the lighting ceremony at 5:30pm, led by A&P apprentices in the presence of the Mayor of Falmouth.

The Christmas Tree Festival opens at the Princess Pavilion this weekendThe Christmas Tree Festival opens at the Princess Pavilion this weekend (Image: Supplied)

The evening will continue with Christmas carols from Falmouth School Choir, and music from the St Stithian’s Brass Band until 7:30pm.

The Garden Room Café and bar will be open, offering a selection of drinks and light refreshments, including mince pies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

The ‘Tree of Wishes’ will return in the foyer, giving visitors the opportunity to leave messages in memory of loved ones or make a wish for the future.

Donations will be accepted to support this year’s chosen charity, the Falmouth Food Co-op, a community food hub that provides weekly meal deliveries to those in need. www.falmouthfood.coop.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P, commented: “We’re pleased to be sponsoring the Festival of Christmas Trees again this year. It’s a wonderful event for the town, and we’re happy to have our apprentices involved in the installation of the trees and lights. This is just one example of how we support local initiatives and provide our apprentices with valuable experience.”

Nicola Burgess, Community Engagement Officer for Falmouth Town Council, said: “We’re grateful to A&P for their continued support. Their sponsorship allows the festival to remain free for community groups to take part in and for everyone to enjoy. It’s become an important part of Falmouth’s Christmas celebrations.”

The 28 trees, each decorated by local community groups, will follow the theme ‘Knitted’, in celebration of the Miracle Theatre’s pantomime Duffy and the Stiltskin at Princess Pavilion.

The trees will be on display from Sunday, December 1 until Friday, January 3 in the foyer and under the veranda at Gyllyngdune Gardens.