The Sidmouth Arboretum will be doing something a little different for this year's annual celebration of trees.

It's taking the daylight hours of Saturday December 9 to showcase all things woody at Kennaway House.

Proceedings will kick off at 11am with a free tree giveaway, courtesy of the Devon Wildlife Trust, with carols and mulled wine to help usher in visitors. On the lawn will be a large marquee, hosting other woody goings-on, including hands-on hurdle making with the District Council's Countryside team.

Later during the morning there'll be the decorating of three Christmas trees donated by the King's Garden Centre and carried out with the usual creative panache by the Sea Fest team.

Inside Kennaway House, in the Cellar Bar, will be wonderful pieces crafted from wood for show and for sale – all making perfect stocking fillers. There will also be stalls hosted by local and national nature groups, showcasing their activities involving trees. Upstairs in the Hatton Wood Room, wood crafters will be demonstrating what they do – from wood carving to working with drift wood to the wonders of pryrography. All free and family-friendly.

In between all this activity there will be a programme of talks and formal demonstrations. The Arboretum will also be asking visitors young and not-so-young to identify seeds, woods and other tree-related pieces, as well as challenging all to its annual fiendish quiz (with prizes!).

The Sid Vale Folk Choir will be returning to give concerts of festive and forest song. There will be refreshments throughout the day, with some very inviting street food served at the entrance to the lawn, as well as drinks in the Cellar Bar.

Jon Ball, chair of Sidmouth Aboretum, said: “All in all, it should be a vibrant and varied day – perfect for popping by between Saturday errands and shopping on the High Street.

“As dusk descends at about 4pm stall-holders, songsters and craftsfolk will be wending their way home – hopefully after an engaging and enjoyable day. Look forward to seeing you then!”

Admission is free, although donations are welcome – and the event is open to everyone of all ages. For more information, visit https://sidmoutharboretum.org.uk/ and the Arboretum's Facebook page.