Helston was lit up for Christmas last night when thousands of people crammed into the town centre to see the big switch on.
Weather conditions were perfect, with a cold but clear night encouraging people out of their homes to enjoy the festivities.
Radio Cornwall presenter Rebecca Wills was compere for the switch on ceremony in Coinagehall Street, with this year’s Harvest Fair king and queen, Harry Nicholas and Brooke Balloch, pressing the plunger to illuminate the town.
Helston Town Band played carols in the run up to the countdown, which was immediately followed by the annual “Five Minutes of Madness Firework Display” set off from the Grylls Monument by Bobby Eustis and David Eva.
Many shops in the town stayed open late for the occasion, with BeGorgeous holding a Christmas craft fair in aid of the Royal Cornwall Hospital’s neonatal unit.
There were also stalls in the Guildhall and at the Central Methodist Church, where there was the chance to see the new nativity festival upstairs in the chapel, featuring more than 370 nativity scenes gathered en masse.
Joining the businesses in town for the night were a wide variety of food vans, traders and entertainers, performing music and dance displays.
They included Louis Williams with his beat box, local band Cornish Roots, the Jo Saville Rock Choir, bands Cornish Roots and No Apologies, and a team of young street dancers.
One of the biggest draws was Santa and his elves, in their new grotto that was set up in Meneage Street for the evening.
The Cober Valley Rotary Club was also in town selling mulled wine and other refreshments.
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