Preparations are underway for this year's Montol Festival in Penzance.

With a historical basis in winter solstice celebrations, the festival on December 21 will include parades for families in the daytime as well as the more adult-orientated evening shows.

Organisers are hoping that people who have just been spectators in the past will get actively involved in the shows this time round.

They are planning to put on mask-making workshops so that more people can get involved in the parades this year.

'Gurdybird' Tamsyn Swingler said: "It's a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice and is based on the ancient tradition of 'the world turned upside down' at the turn of the year.

"With fire, light and the distinctive music of the Raffidy Dumitz Band, it's a festival like no other – and those who just stand and watch the parade go by are missing most of the fun."

The festival was revived in 2007 and is based on traditions such as 'guising,' in which people take to the streets in masks and outfits.

Since its revival it has gone from strength to strength – with three processions, two fire events and costumed guilds touring the town centre pubs in the evening.

Simon Reed, who organises the event for the Cornish Culture Association, said: "Every year hundreds of people turn out to watch and to follow the 6 o'clock parade up to the Princess May Recreation Ground.

"This year, we are hoping that more of them will actually be part of the event."

Details of the mask-making workshops will be announced shortly, and there is still time for dancers and musicians to join and prepare for this year's event.

The team have also set up a fundraising page to help make the event a success.

For more information, visit the Montol Facebook page or email lindacamidge@yahoo.co.uk.