Pictures of Porthleven Christmas lights switch on 2023

The chilly air certainly lent a festive atmosphere to the event, which took place at the harbour head.

There were plenty of hats, gloves and scarves on show as Porthleven Town Band kept spirits high by playing half an hour of carols and Christmas tunes from 6.30pm, leading a community sing-along in the run up to the big switch-on.

Porthleven Town Band kept people entertained (Image: Kathy White)

This year it was Esmay from Porthleven School given the honour of pressing the plunger to illuminate the port at 7pm, to plenty of cheers and applause.

Those gathered then had their own excitement, when Father Christmas arrived with his elves, pulled along in the back of a pick-up.

Mayor Mike Toy with Esmay from Porthleven School who switched on the lights (Image: Kathy White)

He had gifts for everyone in the form of sweets passed down to waiting hands.

With the port fully illuminated, the crowds headed back home – or to one of the nearby pubs – to warm up, before temperatures dropped into minus figures, hitting -2C overnight.

The Porthleven Lights committee, whose volunteers have worked hard in the weeks leading up to the switch-on, making sure everything was in place for the big event, described the evening as “wonderful.”

Daisy, Charlie, Steve, Sarah and Kowan enjoy the event (Image: Kathy White)

Father Christmas is now in his grotto at the Shipyard Market today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday). Today he will be there from 11am to 1pm, and again from 2pm to 4pm.

During this time tickets will be sold for the lights committee’s fundraising Christmas raffle, giving people the chance to win one of two luxury hampers put together with items donated by the volunteers who make up the team.

Miyah Rose had her own light to add to the display (Image: Kathy White)

Tickets cost £1 each and also available at Four Crows Gallery, with the raffle to be drawn by Santa on Sunday at 4pm.

• See more pictures in the gallery at the top of the article.