What a wonderful start to our festive season. Last Friday, I was absolutely thrilled to lead the amazing Lantern Parade through the beautiful Trenance Valley. A huge thank you must go to Blystra Arts for organising this magical moment, which saw over a thousand people joining the parade or spectating.

Blystra spent weeks in our local schools, running lantern-making workshops, and their hard work truly paid off. The creations looked stunning against the night sky. It was brilliant to see so many children and families from our community; this is exactly what Newquay is all about.

And the magic continues. This weekend’s Christmas light switch-on looks set to be the biggest and best our town has ever seen. Building on past successes, we’ve worked with Newquay BID and Cornwall Shop Small to create a full weekend of entertainment on the Killacourt, alongside the return of the brilliant Christmas market.

I am genuinely excited for the whole programme. It promises to be busy, so get down early on Friday. Catch ‘Ol an Gwella from 3.30pm, a sensational Wicked-themed performance from 4.30pm, the Bubble Princess from 5.30pm, and the main switch-on and fireworks with Radio Newquay and special guests from 6.30pm. We’ll then finish with a Taylor Swift tribute! I cannot wait to see our community come together once again for a spectacular dose of festive cheer.

Phil Trebilcock’s Harbour View

An unsettled week ahead. Today is probably going to be the best, with wind and rain into the weekend. An ex-Scottish fishing boat has been in the harbour for a week. It has been doing a few repairs and will be on passage to Bideford today if weather permits.

A couple of boats have gone to Wadebridge for the winter. This Saturday C-Bone is playing at the Rowing Club at 9pm.

Thought for the Week: “Preparation is the difference between winning and losing “