STOW’S popular Christmas Tree Festival kicks off today in St Edward’s Church with 42 festive firs on display.

Businesses, schools and organisations have been busy decorating their trees in the hope their efforts will win a prize in the public vote.

The festival is open today, tomorrow and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12.30pm to 5pm. Visitors can enjoy a concert by Stow Primary School tomorrow at 2pm, a Christmas Grotto with Santa on Saturday and Christmas Songs of Praise and prizegiving on Sunday at 6pm.

Meanwhile, visitors have been flocking to Chipping Campden’s Christmas Tree Festival which was launched by Lord Harrowby on Monday at St James Church. There are 40 decorated trees in the 14th century church which is open daily from 10am to 5pm until Saturday. Visitors can take a stroll through the mini forest and vote for their favourite tree.

Tomorrow it will remain open until 7pm as the town celebrates the Spirit of Christmas, taking place from 3pm to 8pm in the Square and the town hall.

With more than 45 stalls, there will be a huge array of things to buy.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor Chris Jones and Scuttlebrook Queen at about 6pm.