COMMUNITY spirit was shining bright in Penzance after the Christmas lights in Treneere were switched on.

Families came together to countdown to the big switch-on at 6pm on Sunday, December 15.

Debbie Sims from Treneere Team Spirit starts the countdown. Treneere Christmas Lights are switched on on the evening of Sunday 15 December. Photo by Penzance Council.
Debbie Sims from Treneere Team Spirit starts the countdown (Picture: Penzance Council)

As well as carols from Pensans School pupils, and a popular train fairground ride, the event was visited by the crew from Penzance Community Fire Station, who let children try on kit and look inside the fire engine.

Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, and town councillor for Penzance East Ward, Zach Lawlor, were also on hand to help switch on the festive displays.

Organisers Corinne Brown, Debbie Sims and Natisha Lobb. Treneere Christmas Lights are switched on on the evening of Sunday 15 December. Photo by Penzance Council.
Organisers Corinne Brown, Debbie Sims and Natisha Lobb (Picture: Penzance Council)

This year, to make the 10th anniversary of Treneere Christmas lights a bigger and brighter display than ever before, Penzance Council awarded Treneere Team Spirit a grant of £1,500, which was spent on lights and decorations for the annual display that has become so popular within the tight-knit community.

Debbie Sims from Treneere Team Spirit commented: “This is the 10th year that we’ve organised Treneere Christmas Lights, and we do it because we want to bring our community together and have a celebration which is free of charge to everybody. It is organised by the Residents’ Association, Treneere Team Spirit, and we get funding from different organisations, including Penzance Council, who we are very thankful for.”

Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds helps to turn on the lights. Treneere Christmas Lights are switched on on the evening of Sunday 15 December. Photo by Penzance Council.
Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds helps to turn on the lights (Picture: Penzance Council)

After the Christmas lights were switched on, the event was visited by Santa Claus who invited children into his pop-up grotto inside Jon Dory’s fish and chip shop.

Penzance Council provides grants to local community groups and charities who are working to benefit residents and Parish environment. To find out more about how to apply online, visit: www.penzance-tc.gov.uk/grants/

Treneere Christmas Lights are switched on on the evening of Sunday 15 December. Photo by Penzance Council.
Father Christmas visited the Treneere Christmas Lights (Picture: Penzance Council)

With the total grant funding budget now allocated for this year, new grant applications are encouraged from April 2025 ahead of the start of the 2025/26 financial year.