Communities invited to remember those important to them at Light Up a Life events

People across West Suffolk and Thetford are invited to come together at St Nicholas Hospice Care’s annual Light Up a Life events this festive season.

Free and open to all, not just those connected to someone cared for by the hospice; the events offer an opportunity for people to remember those who remain important to them and spend time reflecting with others in their community.

The 2026 programme includes nine events taking place across West Suffolk and Thetford between November 29 and December 20.

Each event will include music, readings and moments of reflection, providing people with the opportunity to pause during the festive season and remember those they miss. The events are part of the Hospice’s long-established Light Up a Life programme, which welcomes people of all faiths and none.

Sharon Connell, Head of Chaplaincy Services at St Nicholas Hospice Care, said: “Light Up a Life offers people the chance to come together and remember those who remain an important part of their lives.

“As Christmas approaches, many people find comfort in taking time to reflect, share memories and simply be alongside others who understand what it means to miss someone.

“Everyone is welcome at our events, whether or not they have a connection with the hospice. Together we create a community of remembering through reflection, and gratitude for those who have helped shape our lives”

People attending are invited, should they wish, to have the names of those they want to remember read out during an event. Names can be submitted through the Hospice’s website or by contacting the Supporter Care Team.

To find out more or submit a name for remembrance, visit https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/how-you-can-help/gifts-in-wills-and-in-memory/light-up-a-life/ or call 01284 715566.

The hospice’s Light Up a Life season of remembrance is sponsored by Chassis Cab and Armstrongs Independent Funeral Service.

All events

St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Light Up a Life events will be held at:

• Sudbury: St Gregory’s Church, CO10 1BA, on Sunday, 29 November at 3pm

• Lavenham: St Peter and St Paul Church, CO10 9SA, on Tuesday, 1 December at 7pm

• Thetford: Methodist Church, IP24 2BQ, on Thursday, 3 December at 7pm

• Bury St Edmunds: St Nicholas Hospice Care, Hardwick Lane, IP33 2QY, on Sunday, 6 December at 3.30pm (booking required)

• Mildenhall: King’s Church, IP28 7EF, on Tuesday, 8 December at 7pm

• Newmarket: All Saints Church, CB8 8ES, on Thursday, 10 December at 7pm

• Haverhill: St Mary’s Church, CB9 8AX, on Saturday, 12 December at 3pm

• Bury St Edmunds: St Mary’s Church, IP33 1RT, on Sunday, 13 December at 4.30pm

• Bury St Edmunds: St Nicholas Hospice Care, Hardwick Lane, IP33 2QY, on Sunday, 20 December at 3.30pm (booking required).

Published: 14/10/2026