A town in west Cornwall is to become one of the first in the country to switch on its Christmas lights in a bid to lift dampened festive spirits.

Illuminations are due to light up St Ives this evening, several weeks earlier than usual, as organisers wanted to bring light into a "gloomy year", writes SWNS.

Permission was granted by the town's BID for an early switch-on after a tradition where hundreds of people turn out to watch Santa arrive in the town by lifeboat had to be cancelled.

A ceremony is due to be held this evening between 6pm and 7pm, which people can watch live via the St Ives in December Facebook page.

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The organisers said: "The Christmas lights switch on will be very different this year, as we are sure everyone will understand.

"To aid social distancing we are going to provide a virtual switch on with a live feed on Facebook.

"This year is very different as everyone knows, and as volunteers we hope that the bits we have lined up that we are able to do in these difficult times, will bring some positive cheer over the next few months."

The switch-on ceremony will be hosted virtually to aid with social distancing.

Members of the public are encouraged to tune in via the live Facebook link.

The town has also spoken in advance about New Year's Eve.

The normal firework display has been cancelled and many, if not all, restaurants will be taking bookings only.

A suggestion has been made that pubs consider ticket only entrance, to allow for the safe use of Test and Trace and Rule of Six.

St Ives BID said: "Crowding on the streets will not be encouraged as this will be against government guidance and this would also apply to the beaches. The roads will be open to traffic as normal."