Southampton residents are invited next weekend to two Christmas Tree of Light switch-ons to raise awareness of loneliness in the city – with the Children’s Mayor officiating at one of them.
The charity Communicare’s free light-up events will take place on the same day, Saturday, December 6, at Woolston Millennium Garden and St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare’s Manager, says: “We’ve already held our first light-up event at St. James by the Park Church, Shirley with the Lord Mayor, Councillor James Baillie, flicking the switch. Our next free event will be at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road on Saturday, December 6 from 4.30pm for crafts, refreshments and carols with the switch-on at 5.30pm with pupils from St Mark’s School.
“On the same day, December 6, we’ll also have a switch-on event at Woolston Millennium Garden at 5.30pm with carols led by The Rising Stars from 5pm. At this event the fourth Children’s Mayor of Southampton, Zeyno Arabaci, who is a pupil at Highfield CE Primary School, will be turning on our lights. We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy both celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not. Bring a lantern if you’d like to too!
“Our switch-on events are joyful, welcoming occasions that bring people together – and they offer a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness about loneliness, especially during the festive season, but we want people to be aware this is an all-year-round issue. Loneliness isn’t just for Christmas. Both events are free. No booking required.”
In the run up to these two switch-on events, people are invited to commemorate a loved one, person or pet, or a cause, by sponsoring lights on the trees.
Annie adds: “While offering people a lovely way to remember, our 17th annual Tree of Light campaign also helps us both fundraise and generate vital awareness for our volunteer befriending network. Our switch-ons are jolly and inclusive occasions and represent the chance to highlight issues related to loneliness, especially during the festivities.
“We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy these celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not.”
Hundreds of sponsored twinkling lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, cover the tree at St. James by the Park Church already and will also adorn one of the pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and the tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
Annie continues: “We’re committed to tackling loneliness and isolation across Southampton. Our 17th annual Tree of Light campaign not only raises vital funds but also shines a light on our Good Neighbours befriending network – which always needs more volunteers. We’re encouraging people to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one, a cherished pet, or in support of a meaningful cause.
“Sponsorship also means we can continue to help those who would like to see a friendly face on a regular basis for a chat or to assist them with simple tasks like travelling to doctors’ appointments, social events or going shopping.”
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.
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2025 Tree of Light campaign and events, visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/tree-of-light-2025/. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2025.
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