Brighstone's Christmas Tree Festival cancelled as result of pandemic

The event — now in its 24th year — has raised nearly £150,000 for local and national charities since it's inception in 1997.

Originally the initiative of former Rector of Brighstone, Reverend Tim Eady, the festival began with a small number of venues and a few hundred visitors.

It has since grown to become an established part of Isle of Wight Christmas calender, with nine venues hosting concerts, displays and a range of other festive offerings for visitors.

Santa and his helpers waiting for the children to arrive at the grotto in 2019

Festival organiser, Chris Goodman, said: "This was such a difficult and sad decision to make as both myself and the committee know the pleasure this event brings to thousands of visitors who travel from across the Island and mainland.

"It would have been virtually impossible to achieve social distancing, and everyone's health and safety has to be a top priority — it would have been irresponsible to even try.

"I hope we will be in a position to offer the event again in next year. If the pandemic is a thing of the past it will be an appropriate time of celebration too."