THOUGHTS of Christmas have come early in Brecon this week, as the cathedral announces the launch of its 2013 Christmas Tree Festival.This year's scheme follows on from the success of the cathedral's 2011 festival where over 45 organisations got involved by decorating their own personal tree as part of a community display of Christmas trees at the cathedral.

Led by Hazel Marshall, the wife of the cathedral dean, the very reverend Geoffrey Marshall, more than 60 letters have been sent out to local businesses, schools, charities and community groups enquiring whether they wish to participate in the festival, which will run from Thursday, December 5 to Monday, December 9.

Once this year's festival opens on Thursday, December 5, the general public will have the opportunity to wander around the Christmas trees in Brecon Cathedral until Monday, December 9.For those interested in decorating a tree for this year's festival, please notify Hazel Marshall at the cathedral office, Dicocesan Centre, Cathedral Close, Brecon by telephoning 01874 623857 or emailing [email protected]">[email protected] by Saturday, October 26.