Two more Tree of Light events have been announced this month, kickstarting the festive season in the local community.

TWO MORE free Tree of Light events launching the festive season and bringing Southampton residents together to remember loved ones and raise awareness of loneliness have been announced this month (October 2026).

The charity Communicare is hosting a total of three complimentary community celebrations in Shirley, Banister Park and Woolston during November and December, with everyone welcome to attend, no booking required.

Annie Clewlow, Communicare’s Manager, says: “Last month we were delighted to reveal our first light-up event of the year would be at St James by the Park Church, Shirley, on Sunday, November 15.  Now we’re launching two more switch-on events as part of our annual celebrations, which are now in their 18^th year.

“St Mark’s Church, Archers Road will have a switch-on on Saturday, December 5 and on the same day, there will be another light-up at Woolston Millennium Garden.

“Our Tree of Light events are always special occasions that bring people together to remember loved ones or celebrate special events and memories and to reflect on the lives of those who have meant so much to us. We are delighted to be hosting three free events this year and look forward to welcoming people of all ages to these joyous occasions where we do a countdown and flick the switch on our trees covered with twinkling fairy lights.”

St Mark’s Tree of Light celebration will run from 4.30pm until 5.30pm. Activities organised by the team will be before the Tree of Light switch-on at 5.30pm.

Also on Saturday, December 5, Communicare will host another switch-on at Woolston Millennium Garden at 5pm with the Rising Stars providing free entertainment by performing carols and festive songs before the Tree of Light is illuminated at 5.30pm.

On Sunday, November 15 at St James by the Park Church, Shirley, following a 3pm Memorial Service, guests will be invited to enjoy tea and cake, with a craft session also planned before the Tree of Light switch-on at 5pm.

Hundreds of sponsored sparkling lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, will cover a huge tree outside St James by the Park Church, as well as the other trees at St Mark’s and Woolston Millennium Garden. The events offer people an opportunity to come together to remember, celebrate and reflect on the lives of lost loved ones or to mark special events.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a light is asked to make a minimum donation of £8. The names of those being remembered will be recorded in a remembrance book and published on the charity’s website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book.

Annie adds: “While our switch-on events are free to attend and you don’t need to sponsor a light to come along, every donation we receive helps us continue providing our befriending and good neighbours’ services for people experiencing loneliness and isolation across Southampton. The campaign not only raises vital funds for us but also shines a light on the importance of supporting one another within our communities, and how vital it is to have and boost in-person social connectedness for all ages.

“Anyone who wishes to also receive a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree at home should send a stamped addressed envelope to our office: 147 Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3FH, along with their donation for their light. Please contact us on 023 8250 0050 or email accounts@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk if you would like further information about sponsoring a light.

“We’re very grateful to all the venues – St. James by the Park Church, Woolston Millennium Garden and St Mark’s Church – and The Gardens Group (Castle Gardens) in Dorset, who provide the tree for St Mark’s, and Spectrum Signs that help us with these events each year. This campaign plays a vital role in our fundraising and social calendar. Every donation to our small charity makes a real difference to the people we help and support. We’re here to help people live their best lives, not simply get by, and every penny counts.”

Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2026.

For forms and more information about the 2026 Tree of Light campaign and events, please visit:www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/tree-of-light-2026/.