Festive season kicks off in Royston, Melbourn and Meldreth

The Seber family receiving presents from Santa at the Melbourn Hub Grotto. Hugo and brother Willem with dad James and Chloe from the Hub Cafe. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

The festive season got off to a fabulous start with three celebrations taking place in Royston, Melbourn and Meldreth at the weekend.

Bell ringers rang in the festivities at Meldreth’s parish church with some special visitors in attendance.

Decorated Christmas pews at Meldreth church. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Archant)

Church member Theresa O’Malley told the Crow: “It was a fabulous village event, We had 30 trees in the Christmas tree festival in a forest trail. Lots of home made cakes and jam were sold and we had a beautiful candle-lit service on Sunday.”

The magic was also happening in Melbourn at the community hub with a Santa’s Grotto, tombola and raffle. Jeannie Seers from the events team said: “It was amazing, there were several hundred people packed into the small hub.”

St John the Baptist Church’s tree in Royston was also sparkling. Rev Heidi Huntley said: “We love to welcome people into the church, at this time of the year.”

There will be a carol service at the church in Melbourn Street, on December 17 at 5pm, with two crib services held on Christmas Eve at 11.30am and 4pm and a midnight mass at 11.30pm on December 24.