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'Sad Decision' As Annual Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival's Cancelled

Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival Facebook Page

Brighstone's annual Christmas Tree Festival has been cancelled this year.

Chris Goodman, who organises it said it would be 'irresponsible to have even tried as social distancing would have been virtually impossible'.

He told Isle of Wight Radio:

"Yet another casualty of the Coronavirus pandemic is the famously popular  Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. This event now in it's 24th year has raised nearly £150,000 for local and national charities since it's small beginnings in 1997. Originally the initiative of a former Rector of Brighstone, the Rev'd Tim Eady with just two or three venues and a few hundred visitors, the festival has grown to become an established island event now with nine venues, concerts, displays and much much more. 

 "This was such a hard and sad decision to make as we know the pleasure this brings to the thousands of visitors who travel from all over the island and the mainland to enjoy this special festival. It would have been virtually impossible to have achieved social distancing and everyone's health and safety has to be a top priority. Indeed, it would have been irresponsible to even try."

It is hoped the event will go ahead for 2021.

 

 

 

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