The lighting of candles in memory of loved ones, organised by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, is to take place again in Swanage, Dorset, but this time it won’t be on the seafront but at St Mary’s Church.
The popular event, from 5.30 pm to 7 pm on Saturday 15th November 2025, will display the lit candles in the church’s gardens, while music will be played inside the church.
St Mary’s Church on the corner of Church Hill and Kings Road West will be the event’s new Swanage venue
Opportunity to reflect, celebrate and remember
This is one of four Lewis-Manning Candles in the Community events taking place in Dorset in November 2025.
The first one was at Wimborne Minister on Saturday 1st November 2025, with others planned for Christchurch and Poole, as well as Swanage.
Each candle can be personalised with a dedication giving people an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and remember those who have died.
The thousands of lit candles not only create a dazzling sight but also support the charity’s free hospice services.
The first event took place on the beach but was at the mercy of the weather
Candles in the Community November 2025
- Christchurch: Christchurch Priory from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday 6th
- Swanage: St Mary’s Church from 5.30 pm to 7 pm on Saturday 15th
- Poole: Poole Quay from 6 pm to 8 pm on Saturday 29th
In 2024, the event moved to the bandstand but was still fairly exposed to weather conditions
New indoor venue
The first Swanage Candles in the Community was held on the Main Beach in December 2022 and proved to be a welcome and well timed event during the Covid pandemic.
It was repeated in October 2023 but aware there was little shelter if it had rained, the event moved to the bandstand on the Recreation Ground in October 2024.
The access to the indoor venue of the church will allow the event to expand with musical performances by St Mary’s church choir and the Swanage Town Band able to go ahead even if it rains.
St Mary’s Church provides both an indoor and outdoor space
Candles by the Sea, Saturday 15th November 2025
- 5.30 pm: Event starts
- 5.30 pm to 6 pm: Music by the Swanage Town Band
- 6 pm: Welcome and opening words by Rev Ian Bird, St Mary’s Church, Swanage
- 6.10 pm: Reflection by Jo Sharkey from the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care family support and bereavement team
- 6.20 pm: Music by St Mary’s choir
- 6.55 pm: Closing words by Rev Ian Bird
- 7 pm: Event ends
The candles can be personally dedicated in memory of a loved one
“Right balance of atmosphere and practicality”
Events fundraiser at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Anna DuRose said:
“Candles by the Sea has become such an important event in Swanage and Purbeck, and we feel incredibly proud to see how much it means to the local community year after year.
“It’s a truly special moment for people to come together, reflect, celebrate, and remember loved ones, surrounded by the glow of hundreds of handwritten dedications.
“The event also helps raise vital funds for our bereavement and family support services, which provide care and counselling to families across Swanage and the wider Purbeck area when they need us most.
“We’ve moved venues over the years to make sure the event can grow with the community and offer the right balance of atmosphere and practicality.
“Our new setting allows us to create a beautiful outdoor candle display, while also providing a warm and safe indoor space for music and reflection.”
Further information
- Candles can be organised at the event or pre-ordered via the website
- More about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
