New Swanage venue for candlelit event to remember loved ones

After two years of Candles on the Beach organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care to reflect, celebrate and remember loved ones, the magical event is returning to Swanage in Dorset but this time it will be at a new location.

Now in its third year, it’s being billed as Candles by the Sea with the poignant event taking place at Swanage Bandstand on the Recreation Ground from 5.30 pm to 7 pm on Saturday 26th October 2024.

Advertisement 
Christmas Carols at the bandstand in December 2022
Lawrie Sandford

Swanage Bandstand will host Candles by the Sea in 2024

More intimate and community-focused

Previously held on Swanage Beach, the organisers say this change of venue promises to bring a more intimate and community-focused atmosphere – and it will still be within sight and sound of the sea.

Those attending can dedicate a message on a candle that will be displayed around the bandstand, to create a sparkling display.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care events fundraiser Anna DuRose said:

“We are delighted to bring our popular Candles event back to Swanage for the third time running.

“This year, we are relocating to Swanage Bandstand, where we hope to create an even more intimate feeling of community spirit and provide a safe space for those wishing to celebrate and remember their loved ones.

“We hope the wonderful Purbeck community will come along to support their local hospice charity at this celebratory and reflective event.”

Hundreds of candles on Swanage beach in memory to loved ones

The first Candles on the Beach in 2022 was a heart warming success on a cold December evening

Supporting bereavement and family support services

To add to the evening there will be musical performances by The Wareham Town Band and The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir to generate a reflective and moving ambiance, with the aim of enhancing the sense of togetherness and support.

The candles are made from recyclable materials and will be safely placed so as not to affect wildlife or cause damage in the area.

They will all be collected at the end of the evening by volunteers to ensure there is no litter and to be reused for subsequent years.

A suggested donation of £6 per candle will support Lewis-Manning’s bereavement and family support services, allowing the hospice to continue providing care and support to those in the community.

Bands and singers performing at the event were much appreciated by a crowd of hundreds

Musicians will perform again at the candlelit event

“Evening of light, music, and shared remembrance”

Anna added:

“We’d like to acknowledge our sponsors James Smith Funeral Directors and give special thanks to Wareham Town Band and The Dorset Police Male Voice Choir for supporting this event.

“Please join us at Swanage Bandstand for an evening of light, music, and shared remembrance as we come together as a community.”

Lewis-Manning staff and volunteers took the candles down to the beach

Following the success of the evening in 2022, the event was bigger and better on Swanage Beach in 2023

Candles in the Community 2024

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will also host Candles on the Lake in Poole Park on Saturday 19th October 2024 and Candles on the Green at Wimborne Minster on Saturday 16th November 2024.

  • Candles on the Lake – The Ark, Poole Park, Saturday 19th October
  • Candles by the Sea – Swanage Bandstand, Saturday 26th October
  • Candles on the Green – Wimborne Minster, Saturday 16th November
Candles by the sea poster

Further information

  • Anyone wishing to take part may purchase a candle on the evening, although it’s easier to preorder a candle in advance via the Lewis-Manning website

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

New BBC Winterwatch puts Purbeck back in TV spotlight In what is likely to be a final visit, BBC cameras will be returning to RSPB Arne in Dorset for the TV programme Winterwatch, to once again highlight the amazing ... 1 month ago Ten year transport plan puts Purbeck at top of wish list 4 weeks ago Purbeck pub Rivo’s Hub opens its doors as it revs up for 2025 1 month ago Swanage woman charged with shoplifting at the Co-op 2 weeks ago Swanage care home reopens after death of three residents 4 weeks ago

Most recent

Historical novel by Purbeck writer inspired by freedom fighter aunt Purbeck writer Greg Duncan drew from his family tree when he wrote his first historical novel - for his aunt had been a freedom fighter in France during World War ... 14 hours ago It’s most unusual – Sir Tom Jones will finally headline Lulworth festival 2 days ago Desert sand to be strewn on Lawrence of Arabia’s Purbeck grave 3 days ago Swanage town mayor holds Golden Charity Ball 4 days ago Appeal to buy defibs in memory of Wareham boy Shaun 5 days ago