YULE tide will be given a magical feel in Devizes when a candlelit bazaar and Christmas tree festival light up St John's Church.

Fundraising group Omnes Ad Unum Devizes hopes to collect thousands of pounds for children's charities with the two events on December 4.

The bazaar will start at 3pm and continue until 8pm as traditional stalls take over the church, churchyard and parish rooms.

Santa will arrive with elves on a carriage drawn by a white percheron at 3pm and be in his grotto throughout the bazaar. Children will be able to post letters to Santa.

Schools and other organisations will take part in the Christmas Tree festival and organisers expect that more than 30 trees will be decorated and will remain on display in the church until after Christmas.

One of the organisers Mike Sanders said: "The bazaar will feature traditional stalls, such as home-made cakes, tombola, festive gifts and Christmas decorations and 30 specialist stalls from as far afield as London. They will offer delights such as organic cosmetics, jewellery, preserves, children’s knitwear, and vintage gifts; all suitable as Christmas presents at good competitive prices.

"There will be cream teas during the afternoon; mulled wine, hot chocolate and a beer tent in the evening together with hot festive food by Vaughan’s Kitchen.

"The glittering tree festival is being sponsored by almost all major local businesses and many individuals."

An anonymous supporter has donated £400 to pay for four categories of prizes including best junior tree, best senior tree, most artistic and best theme. Judging will be by those attending the bazaar who will not know who has decorated which tree when they view.

The day will also include a Christmas draw with 25 prizes valued at more than £3,000.

Tickets will be on sale in Morrison’s tomorrow and Saturday, Devizes Books and at the bazaar. The draw will take place on December 12 at 12 noon at the Black Swan in Devizes.

Money raised will go to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, Canon’s House, Rowdeford Charitable Trust, Devizes Opportunity Centre, Bradbury Manor House and Young Carer’s who will share 75 per cent of the total. St John’s Church will receive the balance.