Penzance BID has assured residents the next Christmas festivities will go ahead, after the lights switch-on was a washout.

Much of the entertainment planned to run alongside the event at the weekend had to be cancelled at the last minute because of the weather.

A few brave souls battled the elements and joined in the countdown but heavy rain and high winds meant the markets and the events planned for the outdoor stage could not go ahead.

Residents and visitors took to Facebook to show their support saying it was sad for the stallholders ‘hoping to make a good start to their Christmas business’ but ‘when a storm blows in, what can you do?’

Penzance BID said it was disappointed but hoped visitors will still enjoy the lights.

A spokesperson told the Voice: “It was down the weather – it was too dangerous to have things like gazebos out with the high winds. But we are all set to go on December 17 for the lantern parade and we’ve got indoor venues organised as a backup so we can have the market and the silent disco as planned.”

The Humphry Davy Lantern Parade takes place on December 17, starting at 5pm from the top of Causeway Head.

Humphry Davy School accompanied by the Mayor of Penzance and the local band the Raffidy Dumitz will lead the procession, with an array of illuminated lanterns, created by school children with the help of local artists at workshops arranged by Penzance BID.

The Big Dance Company will also be performing.

The parade ends at 5.30pm and will be followed by a silent disco held at The Globe Inn.

Also on December 17, there will be a market in town, with more entertainment including the Bash Street Theatre, Davey & Dyer, Vanessa Pini and True Foxes.

Festive celebrations continue with the Christmas and Midwinter Montol Festival, on December 21 - the traditional date of the feast of St Thomas the Apostle.

The timetable starts with the Sundown procession from Causewayhead at 4pm before the main procession from the top of Chapel Street at 6pm.

The Midwinter bonfire will be lit at Princess May rec at 6.20pm and carols will be sung at

See this week’s The Voice for more pictures