Helston Christmas lights switch on: back without a bang

Helston's Christmas Lights switch-on evening is back, and in just over a week's time, on Friday 25th November, the town will be filled with lights, people, and festive cheer.

However, this year Helston Christmas lights crew has decided not to include a firework display, they shared a message on social media with the full schedule of events for the switch-on.

Helston Chrismas Lights (Facebook)

Robert Williams the Chairman of the Helston Christmas Lights Committee said: "The Christmas Lights Crew have been working hard over the last six weeks erecting the lights around town on Saturdays and Sundays, often starting at 6 am, in preparation for the big event which attracts thousands of people into the main streets of the town, some say it's busier than Flora Day!

"We've thought long and hard about the next bit and I'm sure it will be met with mixed reactions… there won't be any fireworks to signal the switch on this year. It costs over £2000 in public liability insurance just for 5 minutes of fireworks, that's without the cost of buying the fireworks themselves, it's time to have an enjoyable evening without the expense of the fireworks.

"I'm sure many pet owners will be in favour of this decision. It's a light switch-on event, after all, not a fireworks display. We hope this decision will be supported and the event will still be enjoyed by all."

So let's take a look at some of the festive fun that still on offer:

• Traders will be up and running from 5 pm so get into town early to soak up the festive atmosphere as the evening gets underway. Grab a bite to eat from a wide range of food outlets - burgers, hog roast, kebabs, jacket potatoes, Caribbean-themed food, hot soup, crepes, donuts, cakes, waffles, and lots more.
• Santa will be in his grotto on Meneage Street from 5.30 pm and there will be fun rides for the kids too. Various gift stalls will be set up and The Guildhall will be hosting various traders too.
• Entertainment will get underway from 6 pm. Popular local band Cornish Roots will be performing by the Guildhall and Helston Town Concert Band will be playing outside WH Smiths to help get the festive atmosphere going.
• The Culdrose Military Wives Choir will be performing on the stage from 6 pm till 6.50 pm then Helston Town Band will go on stage and Rev Danny Reed will compere the next half hour in the build-up to switch on.
• Sing along to well-known Christmas carols and join in the countdown at 7.30 pm to signal the big switch on.
• Entertainment will continue through the evening. Trading finishes at 9 pm and the roads reopen to traffic at 10 pm.

The team wanted to remind everyone that the main street will be closed to traffic from 3:40 pm and reopen at 10 pm, this gives time for the street to be cleared and traders to set up. Any business that vehicles parked behind their premises won't be able to leave after the road closure so it's advised to make othering parking arrangments.

Helston Christmas lights switch on

This will also allow time for the centre stage to be built which will now be outside JJ News where it originally was 20 years ago.

Anyone needing to catch a bus during the road closure please check the timetables for alternative pick-up points. Anyone needing a taxi, the rank will be down at Monument Road during the road closure.

You can find the Helston Christmas lights page here: (1) Helston Christmas Lights | Facebook