Countdown is on for Newquay's Christmas celebrations

THE countdown is on for Newquay’s eagerly anticipated Christmas celebrations.

Newquay Town Council has unwrapped a packed programme to light up the town throughout November and December.

Various festive events have been organised including the much-loved lantern parade and Trenance Cottage light switch on, a three-day festive weekend on the Killacourt, the town's Christmas lights switch on and fireworks display, live entertainment and family activities as well as Christmas street markets.

Festivities will begin with the popular lantern parade and Trenance Cottage light switch on, which will be held on Friday, November 20. Schoolchildren, community groups and residents will carry glowing handmade lanterns through Trenance Gardens before gathering at Trenance Heritage Cottages for the switch on. Blystra Arts will deliver a series of community and adult lantern-making workshops ahead of the event for those wishing to create their own lantern for the parade.

The lantern parade is being delivered through a partnership between Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and Blystra Arts, which is supported through sponsorship from WAX Events and The Atlantic Hotel.

The celebrations continue the following weekend with Newquay's Festive Weekend, taking place on the Killacourt between Friday, November 27 and Sunday, November 29. The free three-day programme will feature Newquay's Christmas lights switch on, a fireworks display over Newquay Harbour, live music, a Christmas market, family entertainment and children's activities.

The weekend gets underway on the Friday afternoon with the opening of the market, as well as performances from Oll an Gwella, Bubbles the Pixie and Strut Productions.

The attention will turn to Newquay's Christmas lights switch on as darkness falls and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour, before Still Dizzy headline the evening celebrations. A part of Trebarwith Crescent will be closed between 4pm and 8pm to facilitate the switch on and fireworks display. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow any signed diversions in place.

Saturday's programme will focus on Christmas shopping and free live entertainment, with music from Joe Hurworth and Selena Brose before Take a Chance on Us closes the day with a celebration of ABBA's greatest hits.

The Killacourt will be transformed for a family fun day on the Sunday featuring an inflatable snow globe, children's disco, performances from Elevate Youth Theatre, appearances from the Magical Christmas Mermaid, and a host of free activities for families to enjoy.

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: "One of the things that makes Newquay such a special place is the strength of our community, and Newquay at Christmas is a chance to celebrate that. These events bring people of all ages together to share in the excitement of the Christmas season.

"At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, it's fantastic that the programme is free to enjoy. I hope residents and visitors will come along, support our local businesses, spend time with friends and family, and help create some wonderful memories in the heart of our town this Christmas."

Newquay BID has introduced a series of Christmas Street Markets on Bank Street, which will take place on Saturday December 5, 12 and 19.

Mark Warren, the manager of Newquay BID, said: "We're really excited to be working alongside Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Shop Small and all our fantastic partners to deliver an amazing Christmas in Newquay this year. We've got a brilliant programme of festive events planned, with something for everyone to enjoy.

"Alongside our existing Christmas celebrations, we're also introducing additional Christmas Street Markets on Bank Street, taking place on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas. These will bring even more festive atmosphere into the town centre and give people another reason to come in and explore.

"Most importantly, we'd love to see our local community supporting our fantastic independent businesses this Christmas. Even buying just one extra gift locally rather than online makes a real difference, supporting local jobs, businesses and our town's economy.

"So come into Newquay, enjoy the festivities, shop local, spend local and help us make this a fantastic Christmas for our town."

Sarah Curley, Cornwall Shop Small, added: "We're so excited to be returning to co-host and curate the market for Newquay at Christmas. The marquee will brim with a changing lineup of the very best local arts, crafts and festive treats from Cornwall's independent creators. It's the perfect opportunity to shop small, support local, and celebrate the season in a truly spectacular coastal setting."

Newquay at Christmas is made possible through the support of a wide range of organisations, businesses and community partners.

Boardmasters has provided Newquay's Christmas tree on the Killacourt as part of its continuing support for the town's festive celebrations.

Robert Spring from Boardmasters said: "We are delighted to support Newquay this festive season by contributing towards the community Christmas tree on the Killacourt.

“Seeing the town come alive and bring people together throughout the year has been fantastic, and we are proud to continue working alongside Newquay Town Council and local partners to help make this Christmas extra special for residents and visitors alike.”