The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival returns next week (4th – 7th December), bringing festive cheer, music and community spirit to the heart of the village.
The much-loved annual event will once again see more than 150 beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display across eight venues in Brighstone and Mottistone, with each tree crafted by local families, schools, charities and businesses.
The festival opens with the Mountbatten Hospice Lights of Love Carol Service on Tuesday 3rd December at 19:00 in St Mary’s Church, Brighstone. Visitors are invited to arrive from 18:45 for the lighting of the welcome tree in the churchyard – an emotional and symbolic start to the 4-day celebration.
Throughout the main festival days, trees will be on display from 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30, Isle of Wight Pearl last entry 15:00). Venues taking part include St Mary’s Church, Brighstone Methodist Church, The Wilberforce Hall, Brighstone Social Club, Brighstone Library, Mottistone Church, The Three Bishops, and Isle of Wight Pearl. Some venues will continue to display their trees throughout December.
This year, the festival is raising money for the Daisy Ring Bus, which provides essential community transport across the Isle of Wight.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of festive entertainment including marching bands, local choirs, live music, Father Christmas visits, a charity tractor drive “Ride Out”, nature talks at “Wild” in Mottistone, craft stalls, raffles, tombolas, and refreshments throughout the village.
Festival organisers Emily Waters and Di Woodhouse have said:
“The Christmas Tree Festival is something the whole village is incredibly proud of. Every tree is made with love by local families, schools, charities and businesses, and it’s wonderful to see Brighstone come alive with visitors enjoying the weekend. Most importantly, the festival helps support good causes on the Island, and we’re delighted to be raising funds for the Daisy Ring Bus this year.”
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Festival programmes with maps and full listings will be available throughout the village and in outlets across the Isle of Wight. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to help sustain the event in future years.
More information can be found at www.brighstonechristmastree.com
