Fundraising is well under way for this year's City of Lights parade in Truro, but organisers are encouraging more businesses and individuals to get involved by.

Sponsorship has already been secured from Bonhams, Stormfront, Taylor Wimpey, Truro and Penwith College, Redrow, Waitrose and Wolfrock, but more is needed to make this extraordinary event happen. Local and national businesses are invited to either pledge a donation, donate a percentage of takings from the parade evening or commit to a sponsor package which start at just £150, with the most sought after package offering the chance to commission a large lantern at the cost of £1,000.

As well as business support, individuals and members of the community can support the lantern parade through offering their time to volunteer, leading up to and on the night. If you have skills to share, or would like to gain experience in marshalling, fundraising and event co-ordination, contact the COL team via cityoflights.org.uk or by emailing trurocol@gmail.com.

And, new for this year, their is the chance for individuals, couples and families to become Friends of City of

Lights. In addition to knowing you are supporting a community event, benefits include an exclusive sneak peak of the large lanterns before they join the parade on the night and opportunities to be involved with making lanterns and be in the procession itself. Prices start at £10 and a family membership is £25.

Event director, Claire Eason Bassett, said: "Last year, we were bowled over with the support from the community and local businesses. Without this financial backing City of Lights would not have made its 20th year and we need your support to make it happen in 2017.

"We are delighted with the support already committed from our sponsors, partners, Truro City Council and Truro BID, but we need everyone to get behind it and pledge. It could be as simple as donating £2 via 'COL17 £2' to 70070. If every person who attended the event gave just £2, the parade would be secure."

For more information go to cityoflights.org.uk or email trurocol@gmail.com.