Cornwall’s festive magic starts at Truro City of Lights

It won't be long before the quaint towns that surround our UK holiday parks start preparing for Christmas. Nothing kick-starts the festive season quite like bright lights and a magical processions, agreed?

For an 18th year, the job of instilling a Christmassy spirit into the people of Cornwall falls to Truro City of Lights Festival (as well as the Coca Cola advert of course)! With the parade to debut a brand new route and earlier start time of 6.30pm, this year's festival looks set to eclipse is predecessors.

The hugely decorated City of Lights Festival takes to the cobbled streets of Truro on Wednesday 19^th November. Artists, community groups and school children are busy hand-making the paper lanterns that will be beautifully lit up and paraded through the crowds.

Image Credit: Truro City of Lights - Steve Tanner & Ian Kingsnorth

Those that have visited City of Lights from our holiday parks previously will be aware of the changing themes each year. 2014's giant paper creations will follow a 'Heroes' theme, inspired by the centenary anniversary of the start of the First World War.

25,000 people are expected to line the streets to experience the creative collaboration of art, music, dance and light.

The procession route isn't the only thing to have changed this year. Event organisers have launched the City of Lights first ever crowdfunding campaign in an attempt to raise up to £3,000 towards the festival www.crowdfunder.co.uk/trurocityoflights.

Fundraiser Clare Hearn, said: “We still need everyone's support to fundraise through our Crowdfunder campaign, or on the night, so we can continue to put on one of Cornwall's most successful community events.”

The Christmas Lights switch on and live music will take place in Boscawen Street, before the procession doubles back along Little Castle Street and Kenwyn Street, finishing on Lemon Quay with a mass samba performance.