BACK by popular demand, a shopping centre twinkled and sparkled as it held a Christmas tree festival.

Lion Walk United Reformed Church in Colchester became full of beautifully decorated trees.

There are about 50 trees on display, which have been decorated by charities and other organisations.

Event organiser Helen Bird said: “We had a lot of new people coming through but we have been affected by the weather as it’s so cold.

“We hope more people will come in and enjoy it as the trees are brilliant, they are really impressive.”

There is an afternoon tea tree with knitted cakes and a tree on which people can hang messages to loved ones.

Helen added: “There’s so much here, people are saying it’s the best display so far.”

The display will be open until Saturday and everyone is welcome. The church will be open from 10am until 4pm.

A Christmas market was also held in the church hall with a number of charities selling their wares.

The market was opened by Town Crier Robert Needham and there were activities for children. Today there will be a performance by the University Centre Colchester Musical Theatre Choir in the afternoon.