ORGANISATIONS are being invited to participate in an annual Christmas Festival.

The Community Christmas Tree Festival is run by the charity, One Community, and is due to take place at Eastleigh Museum, November 21 to January 2.

This is the fourth festival and is free for people to join in.

The Organisers at One Community say they are "determined to make this the best ever, particularly as many Christmas events and celebrations may not be possible this year".

The charity is now asking local voluntary and community organisations to get involved by contributing a Christmas tree to represent themselves.

The theme for the 2020 festival is the community response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "It can be big or small, floor standing or table top, traditional in style or as creative an interpretation of a Christmas tree as you like.

"This can take any form the organisation chooses, to reflect their experience, perceptions, gratitude, hopes, achievements, challenges and blessings of this extraordinary year.

"It’s a chance for the organisation and its members to really express themselves.

"The Christmas trees also provide the perfect opportunity for organisations to promote their organisation/service, recruit volunteers or enrol new members."

Each tree will have a sign next to it explaining what the organisation does.

Setting up times will be staggered to maintain appropriate social distancing.

The Hampshire Cultural Trust Museum and its activities have also been carefully risk assessed and the premises and protocols adapted to be Covid safe.