The countdown is on to Truro's 21st City of Lights parade which was postponed in November due to bad weather and will now be held next Wednesday, January 31.

The procession, which usually attracts around 30,000 people to the city, will start at 7pm from Truro High School and will meander around the city centre before finishing on Lemon Quay.

Artistic director Tony Crosby, said: "City of Lights aims to simulate the artists imaginations each year with a good theme and in this, our 21st year, our theme is ‘Glow’. I think this is a good description of the event as a whole, as it speaks of illumination, warmth and a sense of pride. We want this to be a special day in Truro where City of Lights home and heart is.

"We like to keep our lanterns a secret for the night. One of the key elements that keeps City of Lights fresh every year is that we put a bunch of artists in a secret workshop with materials. Ideas are grown and shared, lantern sculptures created and the artists always come up with the unexpected. This year they have a chance to excel themselves with a theme that can go in many directions. Perhaps this is another year to expect the unexpected."

He added: "When City of Lights started 21-years-ago we wanted to create the possibility of a new tradition for Truro. The reaction of the town last year when it looked likely that the event wouldn’t happen proved its citizens want it to happen and that our lantern walk for the people who call Truro their home is now part of the life of this city.

"As the event has grown so has the challenge to produce it but we now know that together we can make something quite remarkable happen. When the parade passes in front of you this year, put a few coins in the collecting bucket then we can make sure that we can do it again and hopefully for another 21 years.

"Imagine the number of lanterns made over the years: many thousands by the children and over 200 by the artists. That is quite a spectacle in anyone's eyes. But none of this happens without a remarkable and dedicated team who work tirelessly across the year to make this all happen and for Truro to shine.

"This year the City of Lights team is also remembering someone who sadly will not be there to see this year’s parade Bill Mitchell, the director of the extra ordinary Cornwall based landscape theatre company Wildworks who died earlier this year.

"Anyone producing outdoor spectacle in Cornwall owes a huge debt to Bill who inspired and showed what was possible if you put community, place and imagination together. This one is for you Bill."

Among the schools and community groups taking part this year are: Devoran School, Kennall Vale in Ponsanooth, Archbishop Benson, Bosvigo School, Polwhele House, St Mary's School in Truro, Threemilestone, Tregolls School, Truro High Prep School, Truro Learning Academy, Penair School, Richard Lander, Truro School, Truro Prep, Children and Families Fighting Cancer, Penn An Dre, Treffry Residents’ Association, RCHT - Acorn Academy, WILD, Young People Cornwall, Boot Up! and Truro Community.