Huge crowds attended the magical Bluebell Wood event on Saturday 21^st September, designed for people to remember and celebrate loved ones.

The event, held at Manvers Lake in Wath-upon-Dearne, marked the fourth time Bluebell Wood has hosted Light Up the Lake. In the lead-up to the evening, supporters were invited to dedicate a message to a loved one through the Bluebell Wood website, with a suggested minimum donation of £15 per dedication. These messages were placed in lanterns and gently released onto the lake during the event. Attendees on the night also had the opportunity to make dedications, which were added to lanterns and joined the stunning display lighting up the water. 

There was jar decorating, a tombola and gifts on sale to purchase as well as the facility to donate and write a message on a lantern in dedication of a loved one. Moving songs were performed once again by students from The Voice Academy Choir during the evening.

Families then watched their personalised lanterns float out under the sunset alongside music and a screen showing photos of loved ones. The rafts holding the lanterns were carefully brought ashore at the end of the event so there was no damage to the environment.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice supports babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and the event has raised almost £7,000 so far towards the vital services they provide for families. 

Cally Hewer and her son, five-year-old Phoenix attended in remembrance of a friend who recently passed away. Phoenix has cerebral palsy and visits the hospice with his family for short breaks. His mum, Cally said, “We have respite at the hospice as a family, which is really important to me as I get anxious about leaving Phoenix with anyone.

“Phoenix lost a friend recently, so we wanted to come tonight and send a little bit of light to her.”

Sam Wood, Income Generation and Communications Director at Bluebell Wood, said: “We were touched to see so many families in the community come together and spend the evening remembering their loved ones. Looking out over the lake and seeing the lanterns all lit up on the water was very moving for everyone.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our 2024 Light up the Lake so special, including the team at Manvers Lake for hosting us once again and all the amazing volunteers who helped. We are also very grateful to The Voice Academy Performance Choir who sang beautifully during the evening.

“Finally, thank you so much to those who dedicated a lantern this year. With your help, we can continue to be there for families who need us.”