THOUSANDS of people visited Brighstone last weekend (December 8/9) to marvel at the 22nd annual Christmas Tree Festival.

An incredible 220 trees were on show at a variety of venues, including Brighstone's St Mary's Church, the Methodist Church, Wilberforce Hall, Three Bishop's Pub and Reading Rooms.

There were also trees at Mottistone Church and Isle of Wight Pearl as well as children’s trees in Brighstone Community Library.

Organiser Chris Goodman said: "The village was packed with people despite the weather. We had a visit from Jo Kent and the BBC South Today team, which aired on Friday, so that brought in a lot of people to see us on Saturday.

"It's been a fantastic festival and visitors were walking around with smiles on their faces. It certainly had the wow factor."

The festival officially opened at St Mary's Church with a Lights of Love carol service, in aid of Mountbatten, last Wednesday.

Mountbatten chief executive Nigel Hartley switched on the Brighstone tree lights outside the church.

There were readings by Island High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens and IW Council chair Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, and the service was led by Revs Clive Todd and John Izzard.

Entertainment included a Stars of Wonder variety concert and Slipshod Singers performance. Brighstone schoolchildren sang in the Methodist Chapel.

The finale to the concert schedule is the Sandown and Shanklin Military Band performance at St Mary's on Saturday (December 15) evening, in aid of ABF the Soldier's Charity.

Over the weekend there was also handbell ringing, craft fairs, mini market, lace making demonstrations, cake and biscuit raffles.

Trees will remain on display at St Mary's Church and Isle of Wight Pearl until December 31.

The Methodist Church can be opened by arrangement by calling 741166.