Thousands of people crowded into Helston town centre last night for one of the busiest Christmas light switches on record.
At one stage the whole of Coinagehall Street was crammed with people shoulder to shoulder, as the countdown to the big switch on took place.
The whole of Coinagehall Street is filled with people for the switch on
Following 30 minutes of carols and festive songs from Helston Town Band, the crowd counted backwards from ten and the town was then flooded with colour thanks to weeks of work from the small Christmas lights team led by Rob Williams.
This was immediately followed by the ‘Five Minutes of Mayhem’ fireworks display behind the Grylls Monument, thanks to sponsors Borlase & Co Solicitors and Bobby Eustis and David Eva setting them off.
Fake snow added to the wintry atmosphere
Deputy mayor Tim Grattan-Kane thanks everyone for coming
A snow machine helped add to the wintry atmosphere.
There was entertainment in the town in the run up to the switch on, with stalls and children’s rides in Meneage Street and music from Cornish Roots next to the Guildhall, with Culdrose Military Wives Choir on the main stage.
Cober Valley Rotary Club with their popular mulled wine stall
Culdrose Military Wives Choir perform on the main stage
Children even had a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, but for those that missed out he will be back in two weeks, on Friday, December 13, for the Children’s Lantern Parade.
This year has seen a number of new lights fixtures added to the overall town display, meaning donations are needed to make sure the display can continue next year as the required health and safety testing costs almost £5,000 alone.
Lilian and Joshua meet Father Christmas
Lights committee chairman Robert Williams said: “We’ve spent a lot of money on new bulbs, cables, timers, new icicle lights by the Guildhall and half a dozen new displays dotted around the town, so our kitty is now at zero.
“Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the Christmas Lights Fund can do so by either calling into J C Williams Furnishers, 8 & 10 Meneage Street, Helston TR13 8AB or by posting a cheque, made out to ‘Helston Christmas Lights’. Your financial support would be much appreciated.”
Steph and Lillie meet Prince Adam (aka Beast) and Belle from Briar Rose Cosplay, guests of Helston Theatre Company
The Brickhill family get into the festive spirit
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