IT SEEMED the popular and traditional Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival wouldn't be able to continue in its usual format when the organiser stepped down after two decades.

Chris Goodman bowed out, and Isle of Wight Pearl stepped in to run a smaller scale event at its Military Road site.

But two women have now stepped forward to take the helm from 2023 and return the festival, in all its glory, to the village.

New organisers Emily Waters and Diane Woodhouse will be filling the big Christmas boots of Chris, and they have a wealth of events experience behind them.

Emily runs Little Luna Events and brings a wealth of experience in events management.

Diane comes from a background in sales and events with the Isle of Wight Council.

Additionally, they share a great love of all things Christmas.

They said: "We are both incredibly excited to be taking on this Island grown event which benefits many local charities and good causes.

"We look forward to joining forces with Lizzie Wade and the team at Isle of Wight Pearl, who have kept the lights on so to speak and hosted the mini Christmas Tree Festival in the absence of the main festival, which has now swollen to around 70 trees this year."

Chris said he was confident that the future of the festival is in good hands. 

Emily and Diane look forward to speaking to volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors in the near future.

More information will be released in 2023.

This year's festival is open daily from 10am to 4pm, until January 4.