Frederick Gent Students exhibit Christmas Tree at St Michael and All Angels Church
As part of the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael and All Angels Church in South Normanton, students from Frederick Gent School produced handmade decorations and decorated a beautiful tree that celebrates the USA. The festival, which carries the theme “All Around the World,” this year invited local businesses and organisations to decorate trees inspired by different countries.
This festive season, Frederick Gent students proudly present a Christmas tree that pays homage to American culture. The students set out to craft a tree that embodies the influence of American culture on the UK, using vibrant red, white, and blue decorations to mirror the iconic colours of the American flag. The intention was to reflect how American popular culture has shaped British lifestyles and our festive traditions, turning this tree into an unapologetically bold statement.
At the heart of the tree are its unique decorations, which are predominantly crafted from teabags-a nod to one of the most famous moments in American history: the Boston Tea Party. In 1773, American colonists, frustrated by British- imposed taxes on tea, staged a protest by dumping an entire shipment of tea into Boston Harbour. This event became a key turning point in American history, contributing to the tensions that eventually led to the American Revolution. By using teabags, the students not only celebrate the rebellious spirit of the Boston Tea Party but also draw a parallel to how American influences continue to “spill over” into British culture.
The teabags are more than just a historical reference, they are carefully crafted to hide surprises within them. These small, intriguing details reference popular American culture that resonates strongly with young people in South Normanton today. From iconic music and film references to trends that have crossed the Atlantic and become embedded in British life, the hidden elements in the teabags offer a playful, interactive way to explore the shared cultural connections between the two nations.
The Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael and All Angels Church is a beloved tradition in South Normanton, drawing attention to the creativity and community spirit of local schools, businesses, and organisations. Frederick Gent School is proud to be part of this special event, and we encourage everyone to visit the church and enjoy the stunning display of decorated trees, each telling its own unique story of countries and cultures from around the world.