Penzance residents can get their Christmas off to a bright start with a festive laser light show, thanks to the town’s Rotary club.

The half-hour event, at Penzance Magpies Football Ground on Friday, December 23, will be set to music and have smoke and fire. It came about following a decision to do away with the usual Guy Fawkes fireworks displays.

The show had been organised by the club since 1974, as a ‘not for profit’ family event, designed to provide a safer alternative to private fireworks in back gardens. Taking place on or around November 5, it attracted thousands of people each year.

But with more people shunning such events because of their effect on pets, some elderly people and the environment, the decision was made to look at a different type of display.

A Rotary club spokesperson said: “We love fireworks, but we love animals and the environment more. We’ve taken the view that an alternative form of contemporary display is now more appropriate and decided on a festive fun, fire, laser and sound spectacular in the run up to Christmas.”

Gates at the Alexandra Place ground will open at 5.30pm with the show starting at 6.30pm and there will be food outlets available.

• Admission – cash only – is £5 for adults with one child free per adult, and additional children £2 each.