EAST Cowes, Bonchurch and Colwell will light up, as their annual Christmas lights switch on events are set to get underway this evening (Friday).

From noon to 6pm, the East Cowes Christmas in the Square event offers free entertainment and family activities.

The East Cowes Christmas light switch-on will follow the event at 6.30pm.

Isle of Wight County Press: 'Fun family activities for passers-by, shoppers, and families'.'Fun family activities for passers-by, shoppers, and families'.

The Bonchurch annual Christmas switch-on will commence at 5pm at the pond on Bonchurch Village Road.

Colwell Common will host a Christmas tree light switch on as part of the Christmas Fair event in the big marquee, running from 2pm – 6pm.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gifts, food, music and more on offer at Christmas Fair, Colwell Common.Gifts, food, music and more on offer at Christmas Fair, Colwell Common.

Newport Fire Station switched on its fire tower and Christmas tree lights on Wednesday evening (December 1).

The tower was lit up using donations supplied by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.

Two Island charities are set to benefit from Terry Ramplin's annual Christmas lights spectacular at his Long Lane home.

Isle of Wight County Press: Terry Ramplin's lights at Long Lane, Newport.Terry Ramplin's lights at Long Lane, Newport.

The thousands of bright bulbs and set pieces are going to give a boost to Daisy Chains IW and the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Over the 22 years Terry has been turning on the lights, he has raised more than £35,000 for charities from Mountbatten to the air ambulance and Ability Dogs for Young People.

Isle of Wight County Press: Terry Ramplin's Christmas lights at Long Lane.Terry Ramplin's Christmas lights at Long Lane.

Last year the lights raised £3,500 for two local charities.

Terry said: "The prostate cancer group is very worthy of support because men are not great at getting themselves tested."

Isle of Wight County Press: Long Lane lights. Picture by Pamela Parker.Long Lane lights. Picture by Pamela Parker.

He added that Daisy Chains IW was picked as it helps families of young people with long-term illnesses.

Terry said: "I hope Islanders will put money in the buckets to support these great charities over the Christmas period."

Islander Luke Lusted is raising money for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which suffered significant damage during Storm Arwen.

Luke Lusted’s home in Binstead has been lit up for Christmas to raise money for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which suffered significant damage during Storm Arwen.

Isle of Wight County Press: Luke with his Christmas lights. Picture courtesy of Luke Lusted.Luke with his Christmas lights. Picture courtesy of Luke Lusted.

Luke said: “I really wanted to help a local charity in such awful times, and the Donkey Sanctuary are such lovely and friendly people, and a great charity to help.”

The Donkey Sanctuary posted on their Facebook page: “Your donations will help the repair and rebuild of these field shelters and give our donkeys the shelter they need.”

Donations can be sent through PayPal by following this link www.justgiving.com/campaign/IOWDonkeySanctuaryFieldShelterRepairs.