A MAGICAL Christmas tree festival is the biggest yet as it casts a festive spell over Worcester Cathedral.

In total, there are 134 trees for the festival at Worcester Cathedral - the most ever displayed there.

Because of the high level of interest, this year's trees decorate not only the cloisters but also the Chapter House where the launch took place on Wednesday.

Worcester News: SPELL: The Christmas Tree Festival in Worcester Cathedral cloisters SPELL: The Christmas Tree Festival in Worcester Cathedral cloisters (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The interim Dean of Worcester Cathedral, Canon Stephen Edwards, said it was the largest number of Christmas trees they had ever had on display, describing the end result as 'mesmerising'.

He added: "It's just so popular. People want more and more trees and lots of organisations want to come. It's the charities, schools, local businesses and groups connected with the Cathedral.

People were already asking in February or March about the trees. The thing that strikes you is how creative people are. People amaze me with the ideas they have, their creativity and their skill. It is more imaginative than ever."

Worcester News: LOVED: A tree in memory of Matthew Mills, 'a dear friend and colleague of Busy Bees Bromsgrove'LOVED: A tree in memory of Matthew Mills, 'a dear friend and colleague of Busy Bees Bromsgrove' (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The launch event was held on Wednesday for volunteers, staff, donors and cathedral supporters.

On Thursday (December 7) the festival opened to the public and will run until January 14.

Organiser Rachel Shepherd said the planning had started in July.

"Everyone has been so thrilled with it. They walk in and give a great big 'wow!'," she said

There were trees from a variety of schools, charities and businesses including Severn Arts, Allan Morris Estate Agents, For Royal Primary School, Young at Heart Children's Charity, Spectrum Days, Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir, Worcester Cathedral Flower Guild, the Daisychain Benevolent Fund, Worcester Freemasons, Nightstop and Worcester Federation of WIs and Worcester Neonatal Unit. 

Worcester News: BRIGHT SPARKS: Lillie Pounsett, 10, George Pounsett, 7, Fearne Pounsett, 3, next to the home education tree.BRIGHT SPARKS: Lillie Pounsett, 10, George Pounsett, 7, Fearne Pounsett, 3, next to the home education tree. (Image: Kerry Powell)

Among those to attend was Gillian Knowles who had come to the city to visit her sister, Joan Schmeising, from New Milton in Hampshire and see the festival.

"I think they're absolutely brilliant," said Mrs Knowles.

The festival will be open until Sunday, January 14 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), during normal visiting hours - 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday (last entry 4.30pm) and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays (last entry 2.30pm).  

Booking is not required this year.