Confusion surrounding planned festive celebrations in Helston this Christmas is set to be resolved at a town council meeting tonight.

In recent years, people in Helston have enjoyed two festive events - a Christmas lights switch-on and a Christmas fair.

But plans to enhance the former occasion this year with a children's parade, street entertainment and stalls have prompted organisers of the fair to consider abandoning their event.

Meeting last month, town councillors heard from Robert Williams, chairman of the lights committee, who said local schools had already expressed an interest in taking part in a children's parade.

Linda Spelman, one of the organisers of the proposed street entertainment, said jugglers, stilt walkers, puppeteers and Father Christmas were already on the agenda for the evening, which is scheduled for November 29.

Uncertain as to the implications for the annual Christmas Fair, members arranged a meeting with Mr Williams and Ms Spelman, which is due to be held tonight.

Helston businessman Terry Tucker, who organises the fair, said this week he and his two co-organisers, Paul Thomas and Joy London, felt it would be impractical for the fair to go ahead this year.

"We cannot see Helston being able to afford two Christmas functions with the same if not very similar entertainment," he said.

"If the shops want to organise a late-night shopping evening closer to Christmas then they can organise it themselves."

Mr Tucker said a lack of support from people in the town and a dearth of volunteers willing to help organise the fair had contributed to the committee's decision.

"If Helston wants a Christmas fair then people must be prepared to help out," he said. "If we don't have a fair this year then volunteers will have to come forward with new ideas to get it going again."

Mr Tucker said he had not been invited to tonight's meeting.