Heavy rain sent the crowds under cover of the fish market but it failed to prevent a successful switch-on of the Newlyn Lights.A "beautiful" display of fireworks added to the festive lights themselves, which were switched on by Angela O'Connor, head teacher of Newlyn School.

Lights committee secretary Kath Mildren said the turn-out was very good and that being in a confined place actually helped people to enjoy the traditional carol singing by pupils from Newlyn School.

She told The Cornishman: "Using the fish market was something we used to do back when the Newlyn Lights started in the 1960s.

"In those days, the Penlee Quarry used to provide braziers to help warm the market."

As is becoming the tradition, onlookers were also able to enjoy hot chocolate and cider spiced with cinnamon and ginger to help people keep warm and this year a few new stars were added to the display.

Mrs Mildren said that most of the current funds had been used to refurbish and replace the existing display.

"We are getting back to our feet as we didn't run a Raft Race in 2005; we were short of funds last year and so this year, even though we had a successful raft race, we've been catching up to where we would like to be.

"But we held a very successful raffle, we had a very good turn-out of people helping put up the lights and I hope we can introduce some more displays next year.

"I'd especially like to thank Mr Symons, owner of the Swordfish pub, who funded the beautiful, professional fireworks display and to Celtic Scaffolding who put in so much work in helping get the displays up."

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

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