Thousands turn out for Christmas lights switch-on

People were being urged to head into Truro city centre for the Christmas lights switch-on

Thousands of people were in Truro to see the Christmas lights being switched on for a day dubbed 'Festive Friday'.

The team behind the event in the Cornish capital prepared for six months.

Alun Jones, Truro Bid manager, said he estimated about 20,000 people had turned out for a "focal point" in the city's calendar.

The evening began with entertainment, followed by the main event, he said.

There was entertainment and music before the lights switch-on in Truro

Mr Jones added: "A crowd of about 20,000 turned out, many were quite last minute but that's always the case as it's after work.

"Everyone has been well-natured, the weather has been kind and dry, and everybody really enjoyed the performances."

He added: "Our Christmas lights is really the focal point to attract shoppers in to our wonderful selection of independent traders, national retailers, food and drink, hospitality, and of course our professional services."

The event brought thousands of people into the Cornish capital

Mr Jones urged people to "resist staying at home and shopping online" and to instead head into the city.

"Please come onto the High Street, the businesses need your shopping," he said.

"If you come into the High Street, you're supporting and helping those businesses through very tough times."

Ed Rowe, set to play Captain Hook in the city's pantomime, was "one of the hands on the switch-on button".

He said: "We all do it together and there's a massive button. It's really magical."