LOOE has put its creative cap on and is thinking differently this year to bring festive fun and laughter into the month of December.
If you’ve been in the town in the run-up to Christmas, you’ll know how stunning the harbour and the town centre streets look as dusk falls and the illuminations come on.
The festive display will be switched on remotely over this weekend, and while there won’t be a public event or a parade, behind the scenes the community spirit is burning just as brightly as the lights themselves.
The town council and voluntary groups are making sure people that live in Looe know they’re cared for this Christmas by reaching out with gestures of goodwill.
Nominations are still being taken for “Secret Santa” gifts. If you’d like to put someone forward to receive a surprise present, head to the Town Council website. You can even nominate yourself! While Santa won’t be announcing his arrival this year, look out for him paying visits to the streets of the parish from December 14.
Mayor Martin Gregory has posted a short video tutorial of how to make a simple Christmas lantern – and it’s hoped that families and children will make lanterns to bring outside on the day Santa visits their area. Dates will be published on the Looe Town Council website and Facebook page.
The Looe Lions Club, who would normally organise an event for the town’s elderly, are collecting for hampers which they will distribute to people ahead of December 25. Local businesses have been donating gifts in kind and there’s also a fundraising page at https://localgiving.org/appeal/looelionschristmashamper/
The club has raised around £1,000 so far but would like still more so it can fulfil its aim of delivering 150 hampers to the elderly and those alone this year.
Meanwhile, Looe Town Council, the Looe Harbour Commissioners, the Lions Club and the East Looe Town Trust are busy planning a fun Twelve Days of Christmas and it will all be happening online on the Town Council Facebook page.
Each day from December 12-24 there’ll be a different themed competition, and residents and businesses are invited to send in their photos, videos and TikToks to be part of the fun. Send yours in to [email protected]
There’ll also be a quiz or an activity to look out for each day!
Competitions include the best festive outfit (and for pets!), elf on a shelf, waste-free wrapped Christmas present, cracker joke, Christmas wreath and Christmas cake.