The 2014 Christmas Tree Festival

The now famous, annual Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, held early in December, sees thousands of visitors flock to view over 160 theme-decorated Christmas trees, exhibited in six different locations: St Mary’s church; the Methodist church; the Wilberforce hall; the Reading Rooms/Social Club; and The ‘Three Bishops’ Public House, all in Brighstone village; and in St Peter and St Paul’s church in neighbouring Mottistone.

Click 18th Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival -2014 Programme.

Some of the Christmas Trees

The 2014 festival will begin on Wednesday 10th December at 7pm, with the Earl Mountbatten Hospice tree lighting ceremony, and carols in Brighstone Church with Jo Blackburn CEO of the Hospice, and Cllrs Ian Ward and Charles Chapman, Chair and Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight Council. Viewing commences the next day from 10am to 5pm. At 3.30pm in the Methodist church, the very special carol concert with children from Brighstone Primary School, will take place with tree lighting by Cllr Bob Seely.  All welcome. Over the four day festival there will be a lot going on with a variety of musical entertainment during the day, and a further combined choirs carol concert on the 12th December at 7.30pm in Brighstone Church; High Sheriff, Claire Locke, will be attending the Carols and Crib Blessing service at Mottistone on the 13th December at 4.30pm; there will be handbell ringing, lace-making demonstrations; carol singing, Credorer Ensemble, gift and craft fairs, a mini market, winter BBQ, and at 7pm on Sunday December 14th the spectacular ‘Stars of Wonder’ concert to suit all tastes will be held in Brighstone Church. Something for everyone and a great day out for all the family. Refreshments available daily at many of the venues: mulled wine and roast chestnuts, homemade soups, cakes and biscuits, tea, coffee and soft drinks and don’t miss the winter BBQ at “7” Bistro, opposite the Church…

NEW for 2014 is a Park and Ride service to and from Brighstone Holiday Centre and IW Pearl on the Military Road, to Brighstone Methodist Chapel – Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December only.

Children’s Mini Christmas Tree Competition.
From about the middle of November, mini trees, approximately 60cm (2′) can be bought in Brighstone library with a set of instructions to decorate the tree: simply take your tree home, choose a theme of your own, e.g. your favourite book, author or colour theme (no electric lights, or food items please ), decorate your tree and return it to the library by Tuesday 9th December, in time to go on display in the library during the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. The Entrance Fee is £1.50.

The following week (and until Boxing Day) the displays can still be viewed in two locations:- Brighstone Church and the Methodist Chapel. During this week further concerts will take place in Brighstone Church. The first, at 7pm on Tuesday December 16th, will be a “Folkey Concert” with the Slipshod Singers and Brighstone Barnacles, the second, at 7.30pm on Friday December 19th, will be Carols with “Ryde Chorus” and, definitely not to be missed, our last concert will be at 7.30pm on Saturday 20th December, with Sandown and Shanklin Military Band in aid of ABF, the soldiers’ charity, in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Guy Acland Bt LVO DL. So do come along and enjoy these spectacular concerts – against the backdrop of the illuminated trees it will be sensational. (NB.With the exception of Ryde Chorus which will be by ticket obtainable on the door, all other concerts are free entry – donations welcomed. All proceeds to charity).
If you would like to exhibit a tree in this year’s festival or for further information, telephone the organiser, Chris Goodman, on 01983 741166, email .

The 2013 Christmas Tree Festival was a great success, raising an astonishing £9404.52! This money was distributed between local and national charities.

2013 Nativity Pageant