Camborne’s Christmas lights switch-on gets a panto twist this year

Somewhere in Commercial Square, a big red button is waiting. At 5pm on Saturday 21 November, someone will press it and Camborne will light up for Christmas.

The switch-on marks the official start of the town’s festive season. And this year it comes with a pantomime theme.

A pantomime afternoon in Commercial Square

The main event takes place in Commercial Square, where a real Christmas tree from the Tregothnan estate is being installed.

Some very special guests will be on stage from 1pm to compere a show that runs right up until the button is pushed and the town lights up with festive cheer.

Where to find Father Christmas

Father Christmas will be arriving from 1.15pm and is greeting children in person from 1.30pm to 4.30pm inside Ekam Yoga and Wellness Studio on Trelowarren Street.

There’s no need to book, but joining the queue as early as possible is recommended. Santa will be taking a short break from 2.45pm to 3.15pm.

What else is on in Camborne this Christmas

The switch-on is funded and managed by BID Camborne, and it kicks off a Christmas programme that includes:

• a wreath making workshop
• a Christmas tree festival
• a candlelit concert with Will Keating
• Santa’s grotto
• Christmas concerts

“There is lots going on to make this a very special, joyful Christmas season,” said Anna Pascoe, BID Camborne manager.

“Our local businesses have been hard at work creating some wonderful festive window displays and we’re looking forward to a bright, busy town centre.”

From a Truro forest to a Camborne square

Getting the tree into place took some help. Anna said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Macsalvors for helping with the logistics of getting our Christmas tree from a forest in Truro to a town square in Camborne!

“Our town is famous for its warm, communal feel and there are plenty of gifts to choose from in our wide range of independent, beautifully decorated shops.”

Full details are on the Christmas in Camborne page, and on @cambornetown on Facebook and Instagram.