A popular service to mark All Souls Day took place at Bristol Memorial Woodlands on Sunday 27 October.

The outdoor candlelit service, dedicated to remembering loved ones who have departed, was attended by around 250 guests who lit candles and illuminated the Memorial Tree which stands in front of the venue’s Georgian Reception Rooms.

The moving event included performances led by the Wotton-based Edge Choir, the stirring melodies of a piper, readings of poems and a short secular service.

Christopher Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “Our All Souls Candlelight Service is one of our most popular events, regularly attracting over 200 people. While historically the event was attended only by people with loved ones buried at the woodlands, it has increasingly become an event attended by anyone locally with a desire to remember and pay respects to a loved one.

“To see in excess of 200 twinkling candles placed in a circle of light around our Memorial tree is really quite moving and reminds us that following the death of a loved one we can still remember, celebrate and honour them.

“The service provides people with a meaningful occasion to remember and reflect upon their departed loved ones. All Souls Day has significance in many religions and is celebrated in Eastern Europe and as the Day of The Dead in other civilisations. There is a tradition in both the Catholic Church and the Church of England.”

Bristol Memorial Woodlands is a peaceful and dignified funeral setting near Almondsbury, with 100 acres of burial woodland, providing families with a place to visit and remember loved ones for years to come. As loss and bereavement specialists their workshops have become renowned for providing important advice and training.

For more information on training and events provided by Bristol Memorial Woodlands visit NEWS, EVENTS & TRAINING | MEMORIAL WOODLANDS