Every year the Cathedral’s Christmas tree festival promises to be bigger and better than the previous year, and the 2024 festival proved no different.
Forty-two charities, community groups and businesses dressed trees with decorations, many handmade by children, charity volunteers, service users and staff. It’s taken a bit of time but now the decorations have been taken down, the trees have been chipped and recycled, and the votes have been counted, the festival is finally over. Almost 7,000 votes were cast for favourite tree and the festival raised nearly £2,000 for local good causes.
After all the votes had been counted, the two trees voted as favourite were ‘Jude and the Book Factory’ and Barton HR who were supporting the Alzheimer’s Society.
Jude and the Book Factory Christmas Tree
“From so much sadness, ‘Jude and the Book Factory’ is a wonderful way of being able to keep Jude’s spirit alive. We also wanted to shine a light on what sometimes feel like a taboo subject; childhood cancer and grief.” said Lucy, Jude’s mum. “The tree was about Jude’s very own story. Everything we do now stems from a wonderful idea Jude had at just 4 years old. His kindness, his community spirit and his childish adventure has since bloomed into something we hope he’d be incredibly proud of. Amongst so many wonderful trees from incredible causes we are delighted to have been rewarded favourite tree.”
Barton HR Christmas Tree
Sharon Goodman is director of Barton HR. She said, “I am overwhelmed visitors were kind enough to vote for my tree and absolutely stunned it has been voted favourite again. My mother has been a keen supporter of my involvement with the tree festival but was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, so this year the charity we chose to support, Alzheimer’s Society, was very personal to me.”
The Christmas Tree Festival would not be possible without the support of sponsors. We are grateful to Utilita Energy Hub, etiCloud and the Heavenly Coffee Company for their support.
Register your interest NOW to be part of the 2025 Christmas Tree Festival
Space in the Cathedral is limited. With a further eight charities, community groups and businesses already enquiring about the 2025 festival, once again it could be bigger and better than the previous year. If you’re interested in getting involved, email arts@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk as soon as possible or click the button below to register your interest.