Volunteering project funds Angel Festival at Great Yarmouth Minster

Schools and community groups are usually invited to decorate a Christmas tree to display in the Minster, however this year they are being encouraged to help turn the Minster into the Heavenly Host with angels of all shapes and sizes.

Community organisation Reprezent Project will be working with pupils from St Nicholas Priory Primary School and other local groups to create a 7m-tall 'Angel of Hope' which will be at the front and centre of the exhibit.

There will also be plenty of activities for residents of all ages to enjoy on the opening night of the festival. Ben Jay of the town's Hippodrome Circus will be creating some spectacular light displays to illuminate the festival, and there will be mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Councillor Emma Flaxman-Taylor, portfolio holder for housing, health and communities at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "Christmas is all about bringing people together and what better way to do that than with a bit of festive, community creativity.

"This is a prime example of how the Activation Grant is more than just financial support; it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community and celebrate what makes Great Yarmouth an inclusive and vibrant place to call home."

The Activation Grant is available to informal groups of residents, as well as established groups and organisations. To apply for a £500 grant for a cultural community event, whether that's a street party, an arts or crafts event or an event that unifies diverse cultures, contact hello@culturalconnectionsvolunteering.org.uk or telephone Steve Lunniss on 07471 026777.

The Cultural Connections Volunteering project is a new, inclusive volunteering project running across Great Yarmouth and East Suffolk, focused on creating a volunteer network that offers fun, rewarding and interesting volunteering opportunities for everyone.

The Cultural Connections Volunteering project is funded by Spirit 2012's* Volunteering Cities fund. In addition, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and East Suffolk Council have each provided £30,000 of match funding to deliver the Activation Grant Fund.

The Minster will host the Angel Festival exhibit until Friday, December 15. The festival is free to attend, however any donations are welcome.

Opening times for the Angel Festival can be found online.