Getting into the festive spirit in Cornwall.
Hello from a very chilly Cornwall!
The weather across the country has been very mixed today, with some waking up to a blanket of snow outside, while in other areas, it is..well just typical British weather.
For most of November we have managed to not mention Christmas on our page (personally, I am more of a wait until December kind of person), but that will be no longer the case as today’s post is all about the various light switch on events that will be taking place all over Kernow. Over the next few days and weeks, thousands of people will be gathering to their local village, town or city centre to take part in the annual festivities. Here is a list of some of the light switch on events happening in Cornwall during the end of November and the beginning of December, so no matter if you’re a ‘put up your tree minute Halloween is over’ person, or a ‘Christmas doesn’t even spring to your mind until December’ kind of person, there will be an opportunity for everyone who is after some festive cheer.
Truro - I think it is obvious to start with the only city in Cornwall, Truro. The annual event hosted by the city will be taking place tomorrow (22/11/2024). On stage entertainment will be there from 5pm and the main event of the lights switching on will be at 7pm. Festivities will continue with live music until 8:15pm. Many shops will be opening later for Christmas shopping and the main high street will be traffic free all day.
Liskeard - The town in East Cornwall will be once again hosting Nadelik Lyskeryys (Liskeard Cornish Christmas) on the 30th November 2024. This is an all day event with craft workshops, a craft fair and a family Cornish Christmas trail. There will be a lantern parade from 5:30pm and the lights will be switched on after at around 6:30pm. A firework display will follow this, and there will also be live music.
Bodmin - From 4pm on the 29th November 2024, the town of Bodmin will be hosting a lot of festive cheer. There will be late night shopping, entertainment, food and craft stalls, and fairground rides. The switch on of the lights will take place at 6:45pm on Mount Folly.
St Austell - The annual event in the Cornish Costal town of St. Austell will be taking place on the 30th November 2024. The festivities will start at 12pm, street and on stage entertainment, a market and family friendly activities. The lights will be switched on at 5pm and live music will follow this until 6pm. To celebrate the occasion, St. Austell town will be offering free car parking at their Priory and White River car parks from 12pm.
Padstow - For this year, Padstow will be hosting their yearly Nadelik Lowen celebrations on the 30th November 2024. The lights will be switched on at 6pm and will feature the colourful tree of lights, and a display of messages from the local community will light up along the harbour.
Looe - From 6pm on the 29th November 2024 the costal town of Looe will be lit up with their lantern parade. The procession will start at East Looe, and will make its way to the seafront. This will be followed by carol singing, and then the main light switch on will take place at 7pm, with a firework display lighting up the skies over the South Cornish Coast after.
Falmouth - There will be plenty festivities taking place in Falmouth on the 28th November 2024 from 5pm. Starting with live entertainment from the Sing Choir, followed by a parade through the streets of the town. The main event of the light switch on will be at 7pm on the Moor.
Newquay - The celebrations will start at the North Coast town of Newquay during the afternoon on the 29th November 2024. There will be live music, and plenty of stalls with great gift ideas for loved ones. There will be entertainment throughout the evening, with the light switch on taking place at 6:30pm.
Mevagissey - On the 7th December 2024 from 4pm, there will be a lot of festivities taking place in the of the costal village, Mevagissey. There will be food, drink and entertainment, including Santa arriving to spread some Christmas cheer by boast. The harbour is illuminated with pretty twinkling lights from 6pm.
Mousehole - From the 12th December 2024, the most famous Christmas lights will be switched on, lighting up the harbour of the beautiful Western village of Mousehole. This annual event provides an amazing atmosphere and the beautiful lights will be available to see until the 5th January 2025.
Cadgwith - This light switch on event is full of community Christmas cheer and will put anyone into the festive spirit. The small fishing village will be illuminated with an amazing display of colourful lights from 6pm on the 7th December 2024.
Angarrack - Last but certainly not least is the lovely little village of Angarrack, located in West Cornwall. The village might be small, but it’s Christmas lights have a huge reputation and are a must see if you are in the area. The whole village gets involved in this annual event to transform Angarrack into a winter wonderland. There is a real sense of community spirit in this one.
Once again, communities across Cornwall will be gathering to get some Christmas cheer! (Image from John Husband)