The annual New Year’s Eve celebrations return to Truro with two free fireworks displays taking place on the evening of Tuesday, December 31.

A family fireworks display will begin at 7.30pm, followed by the traditional fireworks display just before midnight. Both will be counted down by town crier Lionel Knight and are funded by Truro City Council’s events programme.

Fireworks will be lit in the grounds of Truro School with public viewing from Lemon Quay.

“I am delighted the city council has been able to support the free fireworks displays again,” said Truro mayor Cllr Carol Swain. “This fantastic event is a great opportunity for the community to come together and welcome the New Year with a bang.”

Thanks to generous donations from members of the local community and the Truro Property Trust Fund, the £3 voucher scheme will also return, ensuring up to 500 children can attend and have a hot drink or snack irrespective of affordability.

The free vouchers are offered to under-16s attending the family display and can be used during that event at either Raymond’s stall or the Sausage Grill towards the cost of food, drink, sweets or a carousel ride.

Volunteers will hand out vouchers to children on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lemon Street end of Lemon Quay (opposite the Hall for Cornwall) from 6.30pm.

The scheme was organised by Paul Caruana, who will also be working with a team of litter-picking volunteers to clear up the grounds of Truro School on New Year’s Day.

“I know from personal experience that some families are deterred from attending by the costs involved,” he said. “A huge thank you goes out to everybody that has supported the event - it couldn’t happen with your help.”

For further information, follow Truro City Council on Facebook @trurocitycouncil or visit www.visittruro.org.uk