A call has been issued for competitors for the 12th Annual Festival of Lights — which sees residential, commercial and community groups compete for top honours in decorating and providing holiday cheers to the Island.

The Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (Belco) and BF&M Insurance Group are joint sponsoring the contest.

The two companies will donate a total of $11,250 to local charities on behalf of the competition winners.

Fifteen winners will be selected for prizes across various categories.

Organisers are encouraging everyone in the community to participate, emphasising that the competition is about holiday and community spirit, not quantity of lights.

Entrants should have a decorating theme, whether focused on Christmas, the New Year, Kwanzaa, Chanukah or Eid (the celebration held at the end of Ramadan) or anything else that sparks their creativity.

First, second & third place residential winners will be chosen from East, West and Central Parishes for a total of nine donations to charity valued at $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively (plus $275 discounts on each winner's electricity bill).

Entry forms, which can be picked up at Belco, BF&M and other businesses throughout the island, must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 7. Judging will take place on Monday, December 10, from 6-10 p.m.

For Information, contact Thania Redman at 299-2810 or e-mail tredman[AT]belco.bhl.bm or contact Nicole Williams Smith at BF&M at 295-5566, ext. 2363.