THE traditional Rhos-on-Sea’s Tree of Lights opening ceremony will not go ahead in its normal form because of Covid 19 restrictions.

The event will still go ahead in support of St. David’s Hospice and the lights will be switched on at 4.30pm on Sunday November 29. But the public are not encouraged to attend but will be able to witness the switching on event in an on line video.

Once again, the campaign will be supported by the North Wales Pioneer. A coupon for making donations will be published in the printed edition of the paper.

Members of Rhos-on-Sea Rotary Club with St David’s Hospice have carried out the Tree of Lights ceremonies on the Cayley Promenade since Christmas 999/2000.

A spokesman for the Club said: “In its place a 12 minute long video recording will be posted on line, our own and St David’s Hospice websites. It will include an address from the Hospice and from the Cayley Promenade by Rotary President Cliff Large and a hospice official. Rev Trevor Hoggard will give the blessing and we hope Mayor of Colwyn, Cllr Neil Bastow will switch on.

“It will end with members of Beulah Brass playing a carol by the lit tree, which will continue to shine until very early January. It is fair to say that the Rotary Tree of Lights has become an annual feature and very much an integral part of Christmas.

“The response to this annual appeal over the years has been overwhelming. Since it all started, more than £291,000 has been donated to the Hospice. We are however well aware this annual event represents much more than just fundraising. Most of us have lost loved ones and the need to reflect and remember is so important. In our busy daily lives, setting aside time to commemorate brings a degree of comfort in concentrating our thoughts at what can be a difficult time for many coming to terms with ongoing bereavement and loss.

“By dedicating a light to a loved one, we hope it helps to bring that comfort and peace. St. David’s Hospice are ever grateful for the support this brings and it is an important event in their calendar.

Rotary President Cliff Large added: “It’s sad that we cannot hold our ceremony on the Cayley Promenade but we will not let Covid 19 stop us supporting St. David’s Hospice.

“The opportunity to remember our loved ones is very important and dedicating a light is a lovely way to do this during Christmas time, commemorating those no longer with us. I hope it brings a degree of comfort and concentrate our thoughts in these unusual and difficult times.

“Every penny donated will go to the Hospice supporting the vital work it does for all communities right throughout North West Wales. Despite this difficult time, we will see our Rotary Tree of Lights shine proudly on the Cayley Promenade once more this year with special meaning for all.”

Although the tree is not yet illuminated dedications can still be made from now on and right through until the end of December, through the coupon in the Pioneer newspaper or by using the form at any Hospice Shop, or just by posting a letter quoting the ‘Tree of Lights’ to St. David’s Hospice Abbey Road, Llandudno. On line donations can be made on the Hospice and Rhos-on-Sea Rotary websites.