It is now less than six weeks until the Christmas lights start going up in Helston.

In an announcement this morning, the lights committee said preparations are well underway for a display this year but revealed there will be no big switch-on event.

The switch-on event is a big occasion in the town with the streets usually lined with excited people.

However, the committee didn't feel it was a responsible thing to do, but that doesn't mean residents won't be able to enjoy the lights.

The committee will be erecting over 60 small twinkly Christmas trees on the shopfronts throughout the town and enhancing the outline of the Monument with new LED rope lights.

The lights will still be lit throughout the town for six weeks over the festive period, so they can be enjoyed at any time each day from 4pm onwards.

Robert Williams, Chairman of Helston Christmas Lights Committee commented:

"As promotor of the event, I'm personally responsible for their health and safety as well as visitor's health and safety too.

"This decision has not been taken lightly. We would love to have a mega switch on with fireworks and all the usual festive cheer but with the NHS already under strain, we're not comfortable hosting this event at this time, with winter just around the corner."

"I feel we can all live without a switch-on event for another year to help reduce the spread of infection," he added.

Click here to see more news and updates from the Christmas lights team.

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