Helston’s countdown to Christmas has already begun, as plans are finalised for an evening of festive fun when the town’s lights will be switched on.

The switch-on ceremony will take place in the centre of town during the afternoon and evening of November 28.

First to arrive, at 4pm, will be Father Christmas who will be joined an hour later by his reindeer and they will stay in Helston until 7pm.

The Culdrose Military Wives Choir will sing on the main stage from 6pm until 7pm and Helston Town Band will lead carol singing after that. The honour of switching on the lights at 7.30pm falls to Helston’s Harvest Fair King and Queen, Michael Finlay and Daisy Mai Bassett.

“Helston is such a special place, it really lends itself to Christmas shopping and Christmas activities generally,” said Helston Business Improvement Partnership development officer, Shirley Moralee. “The lights are looking better than ever and there’s a lovely sense of winter wonderland magic. It looks like it’s going to be a very special evening.”