CHRISTMAS is coming to Redruth at the end of November as the traditional Christmas Lights Switch On event begins two weeks of festive celebrations.
The Redruth in Lights festival on Saturday, November 30 will bring the community together in a celebration of the town’s Christmas and community spirit.
The day starts with the first Festive Town Market of the season from 12noon with over 40 traders in Market Hall, Market Strand and Fore Street offering local food produce, crafts and gifts. The market will be open until 6pm.
At 4pm, the Lantern Parade will gather at St Rumon’s Gardens for carols and the Mummers’ Play before setting off up Fore Street to Flowerpot Chapel car park. There will then be a short interlude before the lights are switched on at 5.30pm at The Miner Statue by a very special – but secret – guest.
Then the traditional Redruth Wassail takes over, leading the festivities through the town and finishing in the newly renovated Buttermarket, a chance to enjoy food and drink with friends and family in wonderful new surroundings.
Throughout the day, there will be live music, festive food stalls and carol singers in the town centre.
Alice Lamming, events and marketing manager at Redruth Town Council said: “We always really look forward to Redruth in Lights as it’s a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. We love to see the community come together to celebrate and share the fun of Christmas.”
November 30 is also the opening day of Redruth Town Council’s brand new free Grotto. The team have been working hard to transform Redruth Community Centre into a Winter wonderland at the North Pole and Father Christmas will be arriving to meet the children and hand out gifts.
The Grotto will be open from 10am to 3pm on November 30 and then again on Saturday, December 7 and 14. The Grotto is free for all but donations will be collected for Penhaligon’s Friends.
Charlotte Caldwell, Town Clerk said: “We would like to give special thanks to our two sponsors of the Grotto, Skylite Associates and Relyon Security. We are really grateful for all your support which will help bring magic to hundreds of local children at this important time of year.”
Town mayor councillor Stephen Barnes said: “Christmas is always a special time in Redruth and this year will be extra special with the opening of The Buttermarket after an extensive refurbishment. Our local independent businesses will also be adding to the festive spirit, making Redruth’s Christmas a really unique experience.”
For more information on Redruth in Lights and a full schedule of activities this Christmas can be found at www.discoverredruth.co.uk