With the wintry months upon us we inevitably now turn to the next joyful time to carry us through to the Spring. Yes! Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to start the Christmas Season than with a visit to the spectacular Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival.

Nearly £80,000 raised for charities so far. Over 160 “theme decorated” Christmas Trees. Viewing between 10 am and 5 pm daily at various venues.

In Brighstone - St Marys’ Church, The Methodist Church, The Wilberforce Hall, The Reading Rooms/Social Club and the “Three Bishops”, and also in neighbouring Mottistone Church.

NB. Sunday viewing in St Marys’ Church and the Methodist Church after end of Morning Services. All welcome. Free Entry but all donations gratefully received go to charity.

A great day out for all the family. Refreshments available daily .

Mini Market, Craft Fairs, Cake Raffles, Roast Chestnuts & Mulled Wine, Winter BBQ; Mini Tree Children’s Competition. Carol singing and other musical entertainment; Lace making demonstrations; Hand bell ringing and much more including no less than five different concerts in Brighstone Church between the 10th and the 20th Dec.

NB. The Festival Trees can be viewed in ALL venues between the 11th and the 14th Dec but only two venues will be open for viewing from the 15th until Boxing Day these being Brighstone Church and the Methodist Church.

Schedule of Events.

Wed. 10th Dec 7 pm Lighting of the Hospice Tree and opening service at Brighstone Church with Jo Blackburn CEO of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice also attended by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council Cllrs Ian Ward and Charles Chapman.

Thurs. 11th Dec 3.30 pm Lighting of the “Tree of Light” at the Methodist Church by Cllr Bob Seely. Carol singing with Brighstone Primary School.

Fri. 12th Dec 10 am - 4 pm Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre in the Scout & Guide Centre. Brighstone. and at 4pm Carols with the Brighstone “Village Society” in the Wilberforce Hall at 7.30pm A concert of "Carols old and new" with combined choirs and Brighstone Belles in Brighstone Church.

Sat. 13th Dec 1 - 4 pm Brighstone School Fair in the School. 2.30 pm Credorer Ensemble - Seasonal Instrumental Music in Brighstone Church. 4.30 pm Carols, Handbell ringing and Crib blessing attended by the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Claire Locke in Mottistone Church.

Sun. 14th Dec 2.00pm The “Rhymes and Chimes of Christmas” in Brighstone Church. . 7 pm “Stars of Wonder” Concert in Brighstone Church. A musical compote to suit all tastes. Full of festive flavour and variety. In aid of Island Charity “Love Russia” helping orphans and abandoned children in Russia.

And on…

Tues. Dec 16th A Folkey Christmas with The Slipshod Singers and Brighstone Barnacles in Brighstone Church.

On Fri. 19th Dec 7pm Ryde Chorus Christmas Carol Concert (tickets on sale on the door) in Brighstone Church.

Sat. Dec 20th 7.30 pm The special Military Band Concert with Sandown & Shanklin Military Band in Brighstone Church in aid of ABF- The Soldier’s Charity.

On Sat & Sun Dec13th/14th only - A "Park & Ride" system will be available (in addition to on street parking) this will be operating between IoW Pearl / Brighstone Holiday Centre and the Methodist Church and back. An additional shuttle service will operate between Brighstone and Mottistone Church..

Free entry to all concerts unless stated otherwise. Donations welcomed.

SO DO COME ALONG, MAKE IT A FAMILY DAY OUT, AND BE ASSURED OF A WARM "CHRISTMAS-Y" WELCOME.

FULL PROGRAM (FROM MID NOVEMBER) ON www.bxtf.co.uk