There were thousands of revellers in Looe to celebrate the dawning of the new century and Millennium, and from early evening the town's pubs and narrow streets were packed with people from the port itself, from all over the UK and even abroad.
There was fancy dress of every guise with some of the best efforts coming from the Looe people themselves, including some wonderful '101 Dalmatians' from the Peats and Sullivans, toy soldiers from the Steeden's and Sheerman's and great jesters from fishing folk the Bond and Toms families.
Deputy Mayor and East Looe Trustee, Colin Shore, lit the beacon at 5.30pm on The Wooldown, as part of the national chain of beacons, at which a large crowd gathered, and at midnight there was a huge gathering on the beach and promenade when five venture and sea scouts lit a bonfire. There were cheers as two revellers 'streaked' around the blaze, and at least 20 brave people took a dip in the sea. Fireworks lit up the sky from the end of the Banjo Pier.
Mayor Dave Bryan praised the crowds for their good behaviour saying it was a fantastic evening which would long be remembered and said the celebration heralded a fresh start for the town and its people. 'The wet evening did nothing to dampen the atmosphere' he said. Mr Shore also wishes to thank the many people who helped and added that the whole event would probably happen again on December 31, 2000 just to make doubly sure that Looe celebrated on the right date!