Wish Upon a Giant Christmas Star: A Celebration of Light, Community, and Shared Hope Arrives in Hythe

This Christmas season, Hythe will welcome a unique and meaningful new tradition: a Giant Sustainable Christmas Star, inspired by the Filipino iconic parol—a cherished symbol of light, hope and unity passed down through generations. For the first time, this handcrafted star will be proudly showcased alongside the Hythe Rotary Club’s Christmas Grotto, offering the community a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and togetherness.

Like India’s Diwali Festival of Lights, Thailand’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival, and Japan’s Toro Nagashi, the Filipino parol shares a universal message: that even in darkness, communities find strength in light, renewal, and shared joy.

Derived from the Spanish farol (lantern), the Filipino parol is traditionally a 5-point starshaped lantern symbolising:

• The Star of Bethlehem

• Hope, guidance and goodwill

• Unity, resilience and cultural heritage

Historically made from bamboo and paper, parols today are crafted from materials ranging from capiz shells to recycled household items. The Philippines’ province of Pampanga is internationally recognised for its spectacular Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul)—a celebration of craft, community and light.

According to Melissa Dizon, Community Leader of the Folkestone & Hythe Filipino Community Network, this project is more than a festive display—it is an act of visibility and cultural connection:

“Among many Asian cultures, Filipinos remain one of the least known in the UK. By sharing this tradition, we invite our neighbours to know us better. The parol reminds us that even in challenging times, we choose to focus on light—and on the colourful future ahead.”

A beloved belief also teaches that wishes spoken or written carry power. This sentiment echoes the Scripture: “Write the vision and make it plain…” — Habakkuk 2:2.

This year’s Giant Christmas Star has been created as a collaborative work of community art and will be featured:

• From 5 December 2025 – Hythe Rotary Club Christmas Grotto

• Hythe Town Council Hall, 5 PM – 8 PM (and throughout the festive season)

Visitors will have the opportunity to write their own Christmas wishes for any donation in support of the Friends of St Augustine (FOSA).

The star also displays heartfelt wishes written by children from St Augustine Catholic Primary School—offering a touching insight into the hopes of the next generation.

• FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

• SATURDAY 6TH & SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER - 10AM TO 4PM

• SATURDAY 13TH & SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER - 10AM TO 4PM

• SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER TO MONDAY 23TH 10AM TO 4PM

• CHRISTMAS EVE: 10AM TO 2PM

This year’s star features a sustainable twist: its outer finish is crafted from recycled Tesco bags, highlighting creativity, environmental awareness, and community collaboration. The project hopes Tesco and other local companies will join in supporting this growing tradition.

The Giant Star was made possible by the generosity and teamwork of local businesses and organisations, including:

Construction & Materials (2024) - Martello Building Consultancy, KPO Architecture/Outsourcing, VORTEX Electrical, Free Flow Plumbing & Heating

This Year’s Sponsors (2025) - SGS Energy, Starkings ScaIolding, PMJ Risk Solutions, All Things Render, POOTEN Forwarding Inc. (PFI)

Transport & Display - Brooks Tea Room, Hythe Rotary Club

Media Partners - What’s On in Kent (WOIK), The Looker Magazine

Additionally, on 5 December, visitors can enjoy Philippine Rum Tasting courtesy of Don Papa (while supplies last), with donations supporting Hythe Rotary Club at the Hythe Town Hall along the High Street. This festive evening aligns with Hythe’s Late Night Christmas Shopping, where students from St Augustine will also perform Christmas carols.

The Wish Upon a Giant Christmas Star project reflects the growing spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange in Hythe. It brings together families, schools, local businesses, and diverse communities—reminding us that Christmas is, above all, about connection. May this new tradition continue to inspire joy, unity and hope for years to come.

For Donations:

• Friends of St Augustine (FOSA): https://friends-of-st-augustines.sumupstore.com/product/donation (Reference: Giant Star)

• To book an appointment for Hythe Rotary Club’s Santa’s Grotto (£8 per person): https://buytickets.at/rotaryclubofhythe/1891972

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