It's the time of year again to bring cheer to the Island as locals get ready for the Christmas holiday season.

Bringing colour to Island celebrations, the Eighth Annual Festival of Lights for Charity, will be judged on Monday, December 8, from 6 to 11 p.m. The competition, which sees private homes and businesses decorated with Christmas lights has proved a good way of engendering community spirit.

Thirteen winners will receive awards and have donations made in their name to the locally registered charity of their choice. Local sponsors Belco & BF&M will donate a total of $10,250 to Island charities on behalf of the Festival of Lights winners.

There will be nine winning spots available in the residential category with first, second and third place prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 charity donations in the East, West and Central parishes. Each winner will also get a $200 discount on their electricity bill.

Also selected will be three commercial winners from East, West and Central Parishes with a donation of $1,000 in their name.

There will be a $200 community celebration prize, for the neighbourhood, having worked cooperatively and decorated a unified theme. A $500 donation will be made to a charity on their behalf.

Entry forms can be obtained from Belco and BF&M and all submissions must be in by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5.