Falmouth’s Festive Season to Sparkle: Steve Winnan to Switch on Christmas Lights

Falmouth is gearing up for its annual Christmas Lights Switch-on, scheduled for Thursday, 28th November 2024, with festivities kicking off at 5.15pm. This much-loved event will see Steve Winnan, a cancer exercise specialist, take centre stage to switch on the lights at 7.00pm.

Steve, who has spent over twelve years delivering the Active Pants exercise programme for cancer survivors, was nominated by the local community to take on this year’s honour. The programme, funded by Pants Cancer, has supported hundreds of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, offering physical rehabilitation and emotional connection.

Expressing his gratitude, Steve said:
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the nomination to switch on the Falmouth Christmas lights on behalf of the Pants Cancer Charity. Having worked with this amazing organisation for over a decade, I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Cancer affects everyone, and this honour is for all whose lives have been challenged by this disease. While we continue to hope for a cure, our commitment remains to stand by and support those impacted. Together we make small steps every day to make a big difference.”

Photo: Steve Winnan

An Evening Full of Festive Cheer

The Christmas Lights Switch-on is a key part of Falmouth’s festive calendar, bringing the community together to mark the start of the holiday season. The evening features performances, a vibrant parade, and culminates in the big moment at The Moor.

Here’s the schedule for the evening:

• 5.15pm – Sing Choir takes the stage on The Moor to perform festive favourites.
• 5.40pm – The Falmouth Christmas parade comprising local schools and led by Kernow Pipes and Drums, leaves Events Square and walks through the main streets before congregating on The Moor.
• 6.15pm – Local school groups perform carols and festive songs from the Christmas stage on the Moor. This is a traditional part of Falmouth’s Lights Switch-on and really brings the community together.
• 7.00pm – The big switch-on for 2024 by Steve Winnan, accompanied by his family/friends!
  7.05pm – 8.00pm – Following the switch-on, do stay around for a fantastic live performance on the stage by Rock Choir.

A Community Effort

Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager, praised the strong community involvement in this year’s nominations:
“We would like to thank all those who took the time to send in nominations this year. The Falmouth Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a special event once again and we are very pleased that Steve Winnan has been nominated by the local community to switch on the lights.”

The Falmouth Christmas programme is delivered by the Falmouth Town Team, a partnership between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID. Over the past twelve years, this collaboration has gained national recognition for its work in marketing the town, organising festivals, and supporting local businesses.

More Festive Fun Ahead

Beyond the switch-on, Falmouth’s festive season is packed with events, including the Falmouth Festive Weekend on 7th and 8th December and a special performance by Harmony Choir on Christmas Eve. For more information, visit www.falmouth.co.uk.