Our Tree of Light initiative is back for 2026
We’ve launched our 18th annual Tree of Light awareness and fundraising campaign for 2026 – with a series of community switch-on events planned (September 2026).
We want to help beat isolation through our sponsored lights, each one commemorating a loved one or special cause, and our switch-on events in November and December.
Switch-on events
Annie, our Manager, explains: “We’re launching our popular annual Tree of Light campaign a little earlier than usual this year to give more people the chance to get involved and we’re delighted to once again be hosting a series of celebratory switch-on events.
“For our 2026 campaign, we’re planning to have various venues with trees across the city taking part, each covered in hundreds of sponsored Christmas lights to commemorate loved ones and special causes. We’d love it if lots of people join us at one or more of these special, free-to-attend switch-on events.
Offer hope
“Our Tree of Light campaign aims to offer hope to people experiencing isolation, while raising awareness of the importance of social connectedness and the damaging impact loneliness – often described as society’s ‘silent epidemic’ – can have on all generations in Southampton, especially as the festive season approaches. Those who sponsor lights on our trees to remember loved ones will also be supporting our neighbourhood level work with those who are isolated.”
Communicare is hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor a light on one of its trees, so it can continue to help those who would like to see a friendly face on a regular basis for a chat or receive assistance with simple tasks such as travelling to doctors’ appointments, social events or going shopping.
St James by the Park Church
Annie continues: “We’re delighted to share that our first Tree of Light of the season will be at St James by the Park Church this year.
“Following the church’s Memorial Service at 3pm, we will be holding the first of our Tree of Light switch-on ceremonies for 2026 on Sunday, November 15, 2026. The service will be followed by tea and cake, and we are also hoping to host a craft session, subject to confirmation, before the Tree of Light switch-on at 5pm.
“This special event is an opportunity for people to come together to remember, celebrate and reflect on the lives of loved ones.
Diary date
“We’re currently finalising the details of our other Tree of Light events with further details to be announced soon. For now, please save the details for November 15 in your diary. We look forward to welcoming you to this special occasion or one of our other 2026 Tree of Light events.”
Hundreds of sponsored twinkling lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, will cover the huge tree outside St James by the Park Church, Shirley, as well as other trees citywide.
Why sponsor a light
Annie adds: “Sponsoring lights on our trees gives people the opportunity to remember a lost loved one as the countdown to Christmas begins, or to mark something special. Each light also supports our charity’s work befriending people in communities across the city. With the help of our valued band of Communiteers, who generously give their time and support as volunteers, we’re continuing to work hard in local communities through our various good neighbour initiatives.”
How to sponsor a light
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 our website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book.
Annie concludes: “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.
Every penny counts
“We’re very grateful to St James by the Park Church for their ongoing support. 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 forms and more information about the 2026 Tree of Light campaign and events, click here.