Support local hospice care this Christmas at Willow Wood’s festive events

Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the community to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting local hospice care, with a calendar full of festive fundraising events this winter.

The fun begins with the return of the ever-popular Willow Wood Christmas Fair at Hyde Town Hall on Saturday 15th November, from 11am to 3pm.

Visitors can step straight into the festive mood with a visit to Santa’s grotto, browse unique gifts, crafts, and decorations, and enjoy tasty seasonal treats, candles, cards, and more.

There’ll also be a tempting selection of refreshments and plenty of festive cheer.

Entry is £1.50 per person, with free admission for under-12s.

Another highlight of the season is the Garden of Lights celebrations at the Hospice, kindly sponsored by Brother International.

The Hospice gardens beautifully lit up for last year’s Garden of Lights. 

Across seven evenings in December, the Hospice gardens will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland of more than 11,000 lights, accompanied by live performances from local choirs, festive stalls, and refreshments.

The Garden of Lights evenings will take place on Tuesday 2nd, Thursday 4th, Tuesday 9th, Thursday 11th, Saturday 13th, Tuesday 16th, and Thursday 18th December, from 5pm to 8pm.

Entry is free, and everyone is welcome with no booking required.

On Thursday 4th December, visitors can also take part in a special Festive Wreath-Making Workshop with floral expert Zoe Smith from The Flower House in Marple.

Held in the Hospice’s cosy dining room, this relaxed creative session includes all materials, plus festive drinks and nibbles.

Tickets cost £35 per person and can be booked online at: www.willowwood.org.uk/wreath-making (spaces are limited)

Christmas is also a time of reflection, and Willow Wood’s Light up a Life appeal offers a meaningful way to remember loved ones while helping to support patient care.

By making a donation, you can include a loved one’s name in a Book of Remembrance, hang a personalised ornament on the Tree of Dedication at the Hospice, and attend one of two special dedication services, generously sponsored by Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Services in Mossley.

The services will take place on:

• Saturday 6th December, 2pm, at Old Glossop Parish Church
• Sunday 14th December, 2pm, at Albion Church, Ashton-under-Lyne

Both events include moments of reflection and music, followed by the symbolic lighting of the Light up a Life tree.

More details and dedications can be made at www.willowwood.org.uk/lual

As always, the generosity of local people continues to shine through, with community-organised events also raising funds for the Hospice’s vital work.

Highlights include the Festival of Christmas Music at Albion Church on 30th November, and the Willow Wood Hospice Choir Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Stalybridge, on 13th December.

Further details can be found at www.willowwood.org.uk

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Christmas is such a special time for our community, and we’re very excited to welcome you to our festive events this year.

“Throughout the season, there are so many wonderful ways for people to come together, make memories and support local hospice care.

“Last year’s Christmas Fair raised £8,000, and this year we’re hoping for an even bigger success. It costs around £10,000 to run the Hospice for a day, so every pound raised really helps us to continue providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients and those closest to them.”

A choir singing at one of last year’s Garden of Lights celebration evenings.