THE decorations may have come down, but the Christmas Epiphany is in full swing as churches throughout the diocese prepare for Candlemas celebrations.

Salisbury Cathedral, and numerous churches across the region, rejoice in the festive spirit for the full Epiphany season which runs until February 2 – the service which marks Jesus’ presentation in the temple.

Recognised since the 4th century AD in Jerusalem, Candlemas us one of the oldest feasts of the Christian church.

It will be marked by a candlelit Choral Eucharist at the cathedral at 5.30pm.

Reverend Tom Clammer, canon precentor at Salisbury Cathedral, said: “Candlemas is a beautiful service and is a chance to give thanks for Christ’s birth.

“It is the turning point in our calendar when we start looking forward to Lent, Easter and Christ’s death and resurrection.”

Until Candlemas the nativity, crib and the star of Bethlehem installation remain in place at the heart of the cathedral.

However, Rev Clammer admits the Christmas tree has to come down beforehand.

He said: “We take the Christmas tree down for practical reasons really. Our big west end tree goes up in mid-December so by mid-January it is starting to drop its needles.

“Given that it is over 30 feet that means there is quite a big daily cleaning job for the Cathedral staff.

“I suspect that if we left it up until February we might be looking at bare branches – but we do try to hold on until after the Epiphany procession.”

The Epiphany Procession, which took place yesterday, commemorates the journey of the Magi travelling from the East to worship the infant Jesus.

Rev Clammer added: “The Epiphany procession celebrates the revelation of the Christ Child not just to friends and family but to the world, and is marked with a moving service of words and music. It marks a moment of hope and lightness for the world.”