Nothing heralds the Christmas season quite like the warm glow of festive lights and this year’s theme is soon to be confirmed. The hugely anticipated Truro City of Lights festival and parade lights up the city in in spectacular fashion delighting the crowds who gather to see display. The
What happens?
One of the most anticipated family events in Cornwall’s festive calendar, the City of Lights is a vividly creative celebration incorporating art, music, dance and, as its name suggests, light. The event features a dazzling procession of giant handmade withy and tissue lanterns floating through the streets carried by professional artists accompanied by a host of smaller lanterns carried by Cornish school children and local community and youth groups. Every year the procession has a different theme and is escorted by feast of music and dance including samba, brass bands and pipes & drums. In advance of the procession, there is music throughout the city including performances by school groups and the festivities continue after the procession with more outdoor music performances at various locations.
How can you take part?
Truro High School for Girls will be the start of the procession for schools, the large lanterns will join them at Charles Street and then process through the city centre. At Little Castle Street, the procession splits and the large lanterns will double back on themselves via Victoria Square to Lemon Quay.
Families with small children are advised to avoid Lemon Quay and Boscawen Street which can get very busy! This route gives plenty of space for viewing the procession away from the crowds – try joining us at the start on Falmouth Road or cheer us to the finish on St George’s Road.
The schools will continue onto St Georges Road to finish at Hendra Park.
The Christmas Lights switch on will be in Boscawen Street.
The Park and Ride will be operating every 10 minutes and will pick up and drop off at the the Bus Station on Green Street.
Did you know?
Truro’s gothic revival cathedral spectacularly illustrates the city’s prosperity in the 19th century. Copying the great cathedral builders of the medieval age, its huge spires soar over the city skyline, and inside there are some of the finest examples of Victorian stained glass in the UK.
Truro City of Lights Parade