Christmas commences in Cornwall on Wednesday 21st November, when the annual City of Lights festival hits the streets of Truro. The epic lantern parade and lights switch-on celebration is a staple part of the festive season in Truro, having been enjoyed by the community for the past 22 years! Now drawing in an incredible 30,000 people each year, the City of Lights is one of the biggest events on the calendar in Cornwall at Christmas time.
A Christmas lights switch-on like no other, the City of Lights sees a procession of around 600 intricately-designed lanterns, which have been beautifully created by community groups, local artists and school children. Made using withy and paper, the lanterns are paraded aglow throughout the city; with artists carrying their larger constructs, such as horses, dancers and elephants, while the children carry smaller hand-crafted lanterns. Welcoming in the festive season, as the parade travels down each street, the lights and decorations for the city come to life, lighting up and making the whole city glow with Christmas cheer! Each year, the parade is given a theme of which lanterns and performances are based; the theme for 2018 is ‘Remembrance’.
As well as the lanterns and lights, the parade also includes around 100 street performers, adding some extra vibrancy to the night with their music and dance. You’ll certainly get into the spirit of the parade hearing the pipes, drums and brass band, as well as spotting the samba dancers!
The City of Lights is a free event, although donations are welcomed throughout the evening to help cover the high running costs.
The parade travels through many streets in Truro, giving you the chance to spot it as it goes past from many areas. Setting off from the Richard Lander Monument at around 7pm, the parade is set to travel through Lemon Street and onto Boscawen Street, before looping round through River Street, Little Castle Street and Kenwyn Street before heading through Victoria Square to return through Boscawen Street. The parade then goes via Princes Street and Green Street to reach Lemon Quay, where the festivities continue. While Boscawen Steet can offer you the best views of the procession, as they will parade through twice, it does get very busy and noisy there!
The City of Lights is sure to get you into the festive spirit, so if you’re planning a luxury family Christmas holidays in Cornwall, then be sure to check it out! Truro City of Lights will be held on Wednesday 21st November 2018, from 7pm to 9pm. There are also plenty of other Christmas events in Cornwall this year, including Christmas markets near Truro.
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