Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival is a local event occurring in various venues around Brighstone and Mottistone on the

Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight ( ) is a Counties of England, county in the English Channel, off the coast of Hampshire, from which it is separated by the Solent. It is the List of islands of England#Largest islands, largest and List of islands of England#Mo ...

in England for the winter tourist season. This charitable event raises money for local and national charities.

History

The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival began in 1996 and has since been able to raise nearly £100,000 for Island and national charities. The festivities traditionally start on a Wednesday with a tree lighting ceremony in Brighstone Church in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. This event has attracted around 6,500 tourists each year.

Locations

The annual festival is held at St. Mary's Church, the Methodist Church, the Wilberforce Hall, the Social Club and the Three Bishops Pub in Brighstone, The Isle of Wight Pearl on the Military Rd and at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church in nearby Mottistone. A Park & Ride system is in place and operates from the Isle of Wight Pearl bringing people into Brighstone where a further shuttle service conveys people to Mottistone and back.

Festivities

The highlight of the celebration is the showcasing of over 200 theme decorated Christmas trees exhibited by charities, associations, businesses, families, and individuals. The festivities include carol services, military band concerts, choir singing, and the lighting of the hospice tree, which marks the beginning of the four-day event. There is also a

Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year ...

gift and craft fair. Admission is free but donations are requested.

Entries

Entries are created and displayed by charities, clubs, schools, individuals, groups, and businesses, making this one of the biggest Christmas festivals in England."Christmas Tree Festival set to bring in visitors." Isle of Wight Radio News.
Retrieved 22 July 2013 In the west of the island, this is a major event and many locals contribute. The churches are decorated, and banners put up across the

Back of the Wight Back of the Wight is an area on the Isle of Wight in England. The area has a distinct historical and social background, and is geographically isolated by the chalk hills, immediately to the North, as well as poor public transport infrastructure. ...

. Many organizations, such as the

National Health Service The National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). Since 1948, they have been funded out of general taxation. There are three systems which are referred to using the " ...

RSPCA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity operating in England and Wales that promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest and largest a ...

, and local charities, use their trees to give information, appeal for money, or raise awareness.

References

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External links

Portsmouth: visitors flock to Christmas tree festivalsMagical Wight ChristmasOfficial Website the Diocese of Exeter
Tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight Christmas festivals Brighstone