Looe is getting ready for its first 'Christmas Festival of Lights' - with illuminations costing around £26,000. European money will fund half the cost.
The Town Forum is providing the driving force for the celebrations bringing together many local organisations determined to make it a memorable event leading into the new Millennium.
The light extravaganza begins on December 3 when a special train arrives at Looe Station from Liskeard at 5.55pm carrying Santa Claus. He will lead a procession in a horse drawn carriage, past the large Christmas tree where local celebrity runner, and Looe's Citizen of the Year, Marion Sutton, will perform the grand switching on ceremony.
Half the funding is coming from the European Regional Development Fund through Caradon Area Leader 11 and PESCA. Michael Hinks, Project Manager for Liskeard based Leader 11 has described Looe's plans as imaginative and will bring benefits to the local community and economy, a view shared by John Peters of South West PESCA Ltd, in Truro.
The Festival of Lights will include big, bright, new Christmas designs which will shine out all over the town. Colourful Santas, reindeers and sleighs will appear above main streets in East and West Looe, adorn the harbourside and the Barbican high above the port.
It is hoped a major focal point will be Looe Bridge which the organisers hope to floodlight from underneath the arches to provide a stunning display. Trophies will be awarded to the best lit pubs, restaurants and shops, with a special award going to the best private display.