The Festival of Lights, a popular holiday fundraiser, is returning this year to the Botanical Gardens.

Belco announced this morning that the festive favourite, which was launched in 1996, would be back on Saturday nights for this year’s holiday season.

Starting November 30 and running until December 21, and powered by Belco with the support of the Department of Parks, the festival will light up the park from 6pm to 9pm.

Months of planning and weeks of preparation have gone into the “unforgettable winter wonderland” using thousands of lights and dozens of volunteers, a Belco statement said.

Entry to the festival is free, but Belco will be collecting donations at the event for this year’s selected charity, WindReach.

The charity offers therapeutic, educational and recreational experiences for people with varying physical and intellectual abilities.

The four-acre facility in Warwick includes a multi-purpose activity centre, a petting zoo, a therapeutic riding centre, newly redesigned, accessible playground, and a renovated cottage as a hub for their expanding services geared specifically for older adults.

On average, 200 participants benefit from the programmes at WindReach each week.

In addition to collecting donations, Belco will sell food and beverages at the event, with all proceeds going directly to WindReach.

Dennis Pimentel, president of Belco, threw his support behind the fundraiser.

“Belco is very excited to support WindReach as they continue to serve those members of our community with special needs and varying abilities,” Mr Pimentel said.

“We encourage everyone to come out with their families and friends to experience the beauty and magic of the Festival of Lights.”