By Mal Butler

Please use programme page listing all events

THE 21st Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, which has raised more than £100,000 for local and national charities, takes place in venues across the West Wight between Thursday (Dec 7) and Sunday (Dec 10).

More than 200 decorated themed trees will be on display at seven places over the weekend, between 10am and 5pm, before being moved to just three venues where they will be on show until December 31.

Festival organiser, Chris Goodman, said: "For those who have been to this special festival they already know how fantastic it is, because they return year after year.

"Anyone who hasn't, should give themselves a treat and banish those winter blues with the most joyful event imaginable. People do not believe what they see.

"There is fun for all the family and it's all free."

The main focus of events take place in Brighstone itself, at St Mary the Virgin Church, the Methodist church, Wilberforce Hall, the Three Bishop's Pub and The Reading Rooms and Social Club. There will also be trees at Mottistone church and the IW Pearl.

In addition there will be children’s trees in Brighstone Community Library and, on Saturday and Sunday, (December 9 and 10), Santa will be appearing in a Winter Wonderland at the Exchange in New Road, (halfway between the parish church and the Methodist church).

Over the weekend there will be concerts, carol singing, handbell ringing, craft fairs, mini market, lace making demonstrations, cake and biscuit raffles.

This year, there will be the return of the Nativity Pageant with a cast drawn from local residents, performed through the village in the open air.

Daily refreshments will be available to purchase, with soup lunches available on the Saturday and a hog roast on the Sunday. There is also a free glass of mulled wine in the Reading Rooms and Social Club, while stocks last.

A free park and ride will operate from the IW Pearl and Brighstone Holiday Centre on the Military Rd into Brighstone village with a further free shuttle service to Mottistone and back.

All donations to charity. See programme for full details or look up 2017 Brighstone Tree Festival online.