Children’s Mayor to officiate at one of our free Tree of Light Christmas switch-ons
You are invited next week to our two final Christmas Tree of Light switch-ons to raise awareness of loneliness in our city – with the Children’s Mayor officiating at one of them (December 6, 2025).
Our 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.
Saturday, December 6
Annie, our 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!
Joyful, welcoming occasions
“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, you are invited to commemorate a loved one, person or pet, or a cause, by sponsoring lights on the trees.
Jolly & inclusive
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.”
Sponsored twinkling lights
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.
All about sponsorship
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.”
If you would like to sponsor a light, please 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.
Remembrance star
Annie adds: “Anyone who wishes to also receive a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree at home can also collect them at either of our two December 6 switch-on events or they can send a stamped addressed envelope to our office: 6 Northlands Road, Southampton, SO15 2LF 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.
Thank you
“We’re very grateful to St. James by the Park Church, Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, The Gardens Group (Castle Gardens) in Dorset, who provide the tree for St Mark’s, and Spectrum Signs, for their support. This event is so important in our fundraising and social calendar.”
How to sponsor
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2025 Tree of Light campaign and events, please click here. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2025.