ONE of Worcester's most popular Christmas events got underway this weekend, spreading some much needed festive cheer in the city.

The annual Worcester Cathedral Christmas tree exhibition has been opened and a number of groups from across the county have sent in their wonderful trees to be displayed to the public.

The exhibition runs until January 3, though tickets need to be booked this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Trees are innovatively and individually designed and decorated by local schools, charities, businesses and organisations.

Together they form a wonderful, bright, uplifting celebration of Christmas in the community.

Tickets are free but pre-booking is essential; limited tickets are available to book via the Cathedral website.

One of the Christmas trees was installed by the Worcestershire Freemasons, who have supported more than 50 good causes across the county this year.

READ MORE: Christmas at Worcester Cathedral - all the details

Others include the Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir, the Cathedral Education Department and the Monday Night Club.

The Christmas tree exhibition is one of a number of Christmas events taking place with a difference this year.

The regular calendar of Christmas events is going ahead, but with a reduced attendance and special covid-19 protocols having to be followed.

Worcester Cathedral’s chief operating officer Val Floy said: "Christmas is when the Cathedral’s place in all our lives is perhaps most obvious.

"Although government guidance means we cannot hold our usual Christmas celebrations in the same way, we are determined that the Cathedral will still play its central role in Christmas for our community.

"We are delighted to invite the residents of Worcester, our neighbours in the county, and those farther afield to join in this unique Cathedral Christmas, but if you’re not able to join us in person, there will also be services available online and the chance to support the work of the Cathedral by making a contribution through our website.”

All events will go ahead with full safety measures in place, including the traditional Christmas Services and the Christmas Concert by Candlelight.

Some Christmas Services will be also be livestreamed on the Worcester Cathedral Facebook page to ensure that those who cannot, or choose not to, attend in person can be part of the Christmas celebrations.