Hundreds of people braved the wind and ice-cold showers to join in the fun as Falmouth's Christmas lights were switched on last night.

Postie Sam Weight took to the stage on The Moor for the countdown and, after thanking all those who had nominated her for the honour, pushed the plunger and illuminated the town.

Sam, along with her family, had been part of the lantern parade which had set off from the Events Square 90 minutes earlier. Joining her were Father Christmas in a motorbike sidecar, Pendennis Brass, civic dignitaries and dozens of children from the town's primary schools, many of whom carried lanterns.

On The Moor, the crowd was entertained by primary school choirs singing a selection of carols and Christmas songs. There were also appearance from Miracle Theatre, Scruffy Mutt Theatre, Victoria’s Dance Academy, Viva Voice Chamber Choir and The Suitcase Singers.

Last night was also the first of two late night shopping events in Falmouth, the next one will be on Thursday, December 21, when many stores will remain open until 8pm to enable festive shoppers the chance to grab some last minute gifts and soak up the atmosphere.

There is a packed programme of events in the run up to the new year including Christmas crafts on The Moor between 11am and 3pm; and Frozen in Falmouth at 7pm, on Saturday, December 9 and the live nativity on the 10th, which leaves Events Square at 1.30pm and heads for a marquee on The Moor.

There's also Cornwall Hospice Care's Santa Fun Run at 1pm on Saturday, December 16; The Poly Christmas market until Christmas Eve; Victorian Christmas craftmaking at the Maritime Museum from December 21 to January 3; the Harmony Choir's performance, which this year is on Saturday, December 23 and not Christmas Eve; and to welcome in the new year there will be a fireworks display from Pendennis Castle at midnight.

For full details of all the events planned go to falmouth.co.uk.