The community is being invited to get creative this November as the Leamington Christmas Tree Festival team gets ready to launch a series of free Christmas decoration workshops.

Under the banner ‘Make, Take and Share’, the workshops will give children, families and adults the chance to make colourful Christmas decorations using recycled and upcycled materials, with help and inspiration from local artist Nicci Selby.

It is an opportunity for people to make a decoration for the festival’s Community Trees and to create something to take home.

The decorations will take pride of place at the Leamington Christmas Tree Festival, which returns to All Saints’ Church from November 28 to December 6, alongside around 60 Christmas trees decorated by local schools, charities, businesses and community organisations.

Volunteers prepare for the Make, Take and Share workshops, led by local artist Nicci Selby (centre). Photo by Whittle Productions

placeholder image — Volunteers prepare for the Make, Take and Share workshops, led by local artist Nicci Selby (centre). Photo by Whittle Productions

The workshops are free, with all materials provided – and there is no need to book a place.

Workshops:

Thursday November 5: 9.30am to 11.30am at Brunswick Hub
Saturday November 7: 11am from 1pm at The SYDNI Centre
Saturday November 14: 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm at Leamington Library
Saturday November 21: 10am to 12pm at Lillington Library

Nicci, who will be leading the activities, said: “Christmas is a wonderful excuse to get creative.

“These workshops are all about having fun, trying something new and discovering what you can make from everyday materials.

“You don’t need any special skills, just come along, have a go and enjoy making something that will become part of a much bigger community celebration.”

David Clargo, director of festival organisers Whittle Productions CIC, said: “One of the loveliest things about Leamington Christmas Tree Festival is seeing the whole community get involved.

“These workshops take that spirit out into different parts of Leamington, giving everyone the chance to help create something special.

“And imagine coming to the festival and spotting a decoration you’ve made hanging on one of our Community Trees.”

The workshops have been made possible with funding from Leamington Town Council, with support from Art Friends Warwickshire, working alongside local community venues and Warwickshire Libraries.

For more information about the workshops and festival, go to: https://www.whittleproductions.co.uk/ or follow @leamtreefest on Facebook and Instagram.