A SOUTHAMPTON charity is inviting residents to its first free Tree of Light remembrance event of the season – part of its campaign to boost social connectedness – on Sunday, November 15 (2026).
Following a 3pm Memorial Service at St James by the Park Church, guests can enjoy complimentary tea and cake, a craft session and the Tree of Light switch-on at 5pm.
Annie Clewlow, Manager of Communicare, says: “We would love people to join us on November 15 for this special free event, where we can come together to remember loved ones, enjoy refreshments, take part in activities and mark the start of our 2026 Tree of Light campaign. No booking is required; everyone is welcome. We’re also delighted to announce that the Lord Mayor, Councillor Patricia Evemy, will be flicking the switch on our lights too.
“If you’re unable to attend in November, there are two further free Tree of Light celebrations on Saturday, December 5. One at St Mark’s Church, Archers Road, activities will take place before the tree is illuminated at 5.30pm. And another at Woolston Millennium Garden, where guests can enjoy festive entertainment from the Rising Stars choir performing carols and seasonal songs before the switch-on at 5.30pm.
“We also encourage people to sponsor a light in memory of someone special or to celebrate an important cause. A minimum donation of £8 sponsors a light, with names recorded in our remembrance book and published on our website.
“Every light sponsored helps us continue providing befriending and good neighbour services for people experiencing loneliness and isolation across Southampton, while also helping us raise awareness of the importance of social connection within our communities.”
Hundreds of sponsored lights will illuminate trees at St James by the Park Church, St Mark’s Church and Woolston Millennium Garden this festive season, offering people an opportunity to remember loved ones, celebrate special memories and reflect together.
People wishing to sponsor a light can make a minimum donation of £8. They can also submit photographs, poems, verses or personal tributes for inclusion in the remembrance book, and those wanting a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree can request one when making their donation. Sponsorship remains open until December 31, 2026.
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 further details, sponsorship forms and event information, visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/tree-of-light-2026/.
