TOWN CENTRE CHRISTMAS TREE TAKES CENTRE STAGE FOR NSPCC FUNDRAISING FESTIVAL

Swindon Town Centre will this year play host to a beautiful real Christmas Tree for residents and visitors to enjoy during the festive period, thanks to a generous donation from Charlton Park Estate in Malmesbury.

The 20-foot tree, which is situated outside the Town Hall at the top end of Regent Street has been donated in aid of the NSPCC’s Festival of Trees, which for the second-year running will be taking place at the Wyvern Theatre during the run of their Pantomime.

Lord Suffolk of Charlton Park said: “Charlton Park have been supporters of the NSPCC for many years due to their incredible work, which involves helping hundreds of children each day. We have donated this Christmas Tree to the community of Swindon in Aid of the NSPCC charity. We hope that this will bring joy to many over the festive period.”

The Wyvern’s event space will be transformed into a magical grotto with dozens of Christmas trees, all beautifully decorated and with an interactive trail for visitors to enjoy. The Festival of Trees will be raising funds and awareness of the incredible work that the NSPCC does in the South West and all over the UK and the town centre tree donation will further enhance the success of their campaign.

Emma Hildesley, Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC and organiser of the Festival said: “NSPCC are delighted to be returning to the Wyvern Theatre with our Festival of Trees over the Christmas period, running alongside the Panto production and offering a winter wonderland trail for families to enjoy. All trees will showcase decorations from both the NSPCC and local partner organisations to say that we, and the community, are still here for children over the festive season.

In addition to this, we are so grateful to Charlton Park Estate and the kindness of the family, who have gifted the community of Swindon, in aid of NSPCC, a real tree for everyone to enjoy over the festive season this year. Not everyone is aware that we have a service Hub in Swindon and that we support local children, families and new/expectant parents across Swindon inc. Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Christmas is an opportunity for the community to come together to raise greater awareness and funds in aid of NSPCC services.”

Laura James, Director for Swindon Theatres said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the NSPCC and their Festival of Trees back to the Wyvern this year, following the success of last year’s event. The festival will be bigger and better, and the town centre tree is a fantastic addition. We’re extremely grateful to Charlton Park, as well as to Colas who transported the tree and Swindon Borough Council who supported with the installation.”

The NSPCC Festival of Trees runs alongside Snow White at the Wyvern Theatre - Sat 2 - Sun 31 Dec | swindontheatres.co.uk