CHRISTMAS is officially up and running in Redruth, following a spectacular lantern parade on Saturday.
Five schools took part, lighting up the town centre with their imaginative creations.
The day also marked the opening of Father Christmas's free grotto in the former Boots store in Fore Street.
The mayor of Redruth, councillor Judy Davidson MBE said: " It was a great evening, five schools took part with an increased turnout on last year.
"The town was really busy with a lot of the shops staying open late and the atmosphere was wonderful."
Town development manager Lee Dunkley added: "I think we'He seen our biggest and best start to Christmas events in Redruth in recent memory.
"From an organiser's point of view, everything went to plan, and we have a big debt of gratitude to the marshals and volunteers helping on the day – and in particular Elisa McLeod who has worked tirelessly to get everything to this point."
In the run up to Christmas, Redruth is staging a programme of events, ranging from open studios at Krowji and carol singing outside the clock tower to a nativity at the Methodist church.
Father Christmas's grotto is open every Saturday from 10am until 4.30pm.
For full details, see www.visitredruth.co.uk.
