Light up the Wight, Island Echo’s official Christmas lights competition, will feature on BBC’s The One Show this coming Friday (12th December).
Now in its 10th year, Light up the Wight provides an easy-to-follow map to help Islanders find all the best displays, keeping the decades-old tradition alive. And thanks to sponsors Southern Vectis, homeowners battle it out in the competition to win a share of the prize money!
On Friday’s episode of The One Show, which will air at 19:00, the Isle of Wight’s wonderful array of Christmas lights displays will be broadcast to over 2million people, who will undoubtedly gaze in awe at the glittering decorations and twinkling lights that shine brightly every December.
On the first day of this year’s competition, presenter Angelica Bell visited the Island and hopped aboard Southern Vectis’ brilliantly-decorated tour bus – successfully avoiding the heavy rain showers!
Angelica, the film crew and the Island Echo team travelled over to Sandown to see the unique Victoria Road display. Filming also took place at St Vincent Care Home’s big switch-on in Binstead, with D-Day Veteran Alec Penstone switching on their impressive display.
The bus then headed to Ash Lane in Gunville, the winner of last year’s competition, to learn more about what it takes to put on such a spectacle.
On the way round, Angelica learnt more about the story behind Island Echo’s Light up the Wight and the spirit of community it brings each festive season.
Some 20 dazzling displays are featured on this year’s official map, with Islanders invited to tour the displays throughout December and vote for their favourite online at www.islandecho.co.uk/xmas.
Filming on the night was done by local-filming company People Media Productions. Established in 2021, the company supplies the BBC with short films for The One Show, as well as making documentaries for other channels and organisations. The company continues to develop screenplays and drama for broadcast and social media.
Co-founder Tony Steyger says:
“The Island is rich in local stories with universal appeal,” and our latest film for The One highlights the strength of community spirit and captures an uplifting project filled with shared joy – perfect story for the festive season”.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, says:
“It has been fantastic working with People Media Productions and Southern Vectis to highlight the amazing displays that shine brightly every year here on the Isle of Wight. And how magical that, in our 10th year of Light up the Wight, it will feature on national television.
“We love bringing Light up the Wight to our readers every year, keeping the festive spirit going!”
