THERE will be a party atmosphere in Helston tomorrow night for the switching on of the town's Christmas lights.

A full evening's programme of entertainment for all the family is planned, including a procession with an Oriental theme, street theatre, stalls, refreshments, funfair rides, music, fireworks and a visit from Father Christmas.

The procession, organised by Helston businesswoman Linda Spelman, is likely to prove an eye-catching affair, with a large Chinese dragon taking centre stage, as well as fire jugglers, puppeteers, masks and lanterns.

The switch-on itself takes place at 7.30pm and will be followed by a fireworks display lasting around ten minutes.

Lights committee chairman Robert Williams has apologised in advance if the bangs disturb any pets, or their owners, living in the vicinity of the monument at the bottom of Coinagehall Street.

Mr Williams has also made a plea to drivers to keep both Meneage Street and Coinagehall Street as free of parked cars as possible.

Roads in the town centre are being closed from 5.45pm and motorists have been urged to remove their vehicles before that time so that stallholders and funfair ride owners can set up their equipment, and the procession can move freely and safely through the town.

Bus companies have been alerted and are expected to have made alternative pick-up point arrangements.

Mr Williams said: "We hope everyone has an enjoyable evening on Friday. There will be lots to see and do.

"The lights committee has worked hard to create an impressive display, as well as a fun-filled evening in a safe, traffic-free environment."

The roads are due to re-open to traffic at 9pm.

l Many town centre businesses are expected to stay open late tomorrow night, with some getting into the party spirit by serving refreshments.

One shop that will be open is the Macmillan Nurses charity shop in Coinagehall Street, where the girls from Spar in Helston will be signing copies of the charity calendar they produced earlier this year.

They will be keeping their clothes on for the signing, but are hoping that won't discourage customers from buying the calendar, and helping raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

So far, around £14,000 has been raised for the charity and Helston's very own Calendar Girls are hoping the signing will help them get nearer to their £20,000 target.