The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival has revealed that a total of £6,000 was raised in 2024 for selected Isle of Wight charities, thanks to the generosity of the community and visitors.
This year’s festival presented an impressive array of attractions, including a vibrant performance by Mr. Baker’s Dozen Morris Dancers and a spectacular samba display by RAW Samba through the village. Additionally, The Falconry Centre delivered an outstanding showcase within Mottistone Church as part of the new ‘Wild’ at Mottistone event, which collaborated with local schools to create nature-inspired trees and lanterns with the assistance of the New Carnival Company.
Attendees also experienced an unexpected visit from Santa on horseback, courtesy of The Three Bishops Pub, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
While funds raised matched last year’s total, the festival was significantly affected by challenging weather conditions due to Storm Darragh. However, this did not dampen spirits, and we are incredibly grateful to the community for their unwavering support.
Supporting the Isle of Wight Foodbank
This year, the Christmas Tree Festival is supporting the Isle of Wight Foodbank with donations. To help families during the cost-of-living crisis, around £200 worth of essential food supplies were delivered to their Cowes hub for distribution across the Island.
Special Donation to the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group
On the Isle of Wight, where the diagnosis rate is among the highest in the UK, over 300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. The IW Prostate Cancer Support Group provides free screening for men and raises awareness of this issue.
The Vectis Vintage Tractor & Engine Club has been part of the festival since 2023 and selected the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group as the beneficiary of their festival tractor run. A donation of £250 has been made to support the charity’s work.
Additional Charitable Contributions
The announced total does not include the significant funds raised through separate charity pots placed alongside the trees at the Isle of Wight Pearl, nor the donations collected on behalf of Mountbatten Hospice at the ‘Lights of Love’ concert or during the closing concert in support of SWAY and Brighstone Primary School.
Emily and Diane express their thanks to all individuals, charities, sponsors such as AJ Wells and Hose Rhodes Dickson, businesses, and organisations that participated in and supported this year’s event. Their contributions helped create a festive atmosphere and ensured the festival’s success. In a joint statement, they said:
“This year’s festival was a true testament to the kindness and resilience of our community. The outpouring of support from residents and visitors alike has been overwhelming, and despite the challenges posed by the weather, the spirit of togetherness and generosity shone through. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate, contribute, and make a difference has been nothing short of inspiring. We are proud to be part of such a compassionate and dedicated community.”
Following a short break in January, we are planning the Christmas celebrations for 2025. If you belong to a community group or provide entertainment and wish to participate, please contact us.
Distributing Remaining Funds to Local Charities
In keeping with the festival’s tradition of giving back, donations will be made to selected charities that exhibited at the festival’s main village locations, including St Mary’s Church, The Methodist Church, Mottistone Church, Calbourne Church, The Wilberforce Hall, and The Social Club in Brighstone. These organisations will be contacted in the coming weeks to arrange payments.
An event spokesperson has said:
“We thank everyone who contributed to the 2024 Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. Despite the weather, the event was successful, and preparations for next year’s festival are already underway.”
The 2025 festival is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 4th December to Sunday, 7th December. Bookings for Christmas trees and craft stalls will open in the Autumn. This community event is free to attend.
Well done to all involved.
It is such a shame we live in a third world country
where people need to rely on Foodbanks.
2 World Wars were not fought so people had to rely on
Foodbanks
Disgraceful, what is Great about Britain!!
We live in a 3rd world country because people like you advocate for 3rd world people to move here. Thinking u can pluck a 3rd worlder from the stone age and integrate them into our world. Then complain our nice cultures our turning to shit. I wonder why. Vote reform.
Reform are uneducated thugs