Mayor switches on our first Tree of Light of 2025
Southampton’s 803rd Right Worshipful Mayor and the city’s fourth Lord Mayor flicked the switch at our light-up event last Sunday (November 16, 2025).
Councillor James Baillie did the honours at St. James by the Park Church, Shirley for our first of three free switch-on events this year to raise money to help the isolated.
Magical
Our Manager, Annie says: “We were so delighted The Lord Mayor, Cllr James Baillie agreed to flick the switch at our first event this year at St. James by the Park Church. It was truly magical with all the twinkling lights on the tree! Thank you to everyone who joined us. It was a beautiful, friendly event with a moving remembrance service hosted by Esther Clift and Vicar, Dan Clark and it was lovely to see our volunteer, Len Yandell, playing the organ too.
“The service was followed by homemade cakes and lantern making, before the switch-on with Cllr James Baillie, who also made a lovely tribute. The tree will be visible to everyone passing by throughout the rest of this month and December and there’s a sign right by the tree, with a QR code, so anyone who wishes to can sponsor a light can do so. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2025.
Total so far
“The total we’ve raised so far is more than £1,500 and our overall goal is £2,000. But we’re not done yet! As well as the huge tree outside St. James, we’ve one of the beautiful pines in the Woolston Millennium Garden and a large, donated tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road to light-up.
“Our next free switch-on 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.
“On the same day, Saturday, 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. 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.
Joyful & welcoming
“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.
Tackling loneliness
“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.”
How to sponsor a light
Anyone who would like to sponsor a light is asked to make a minimum donation of £8.
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.
Photo with thanks to Ben Clark.