South West Christmas lights switch-ons have begun

The Christmas lights in Plymouth city centre were switched on earlier

Christmas lights are starting to be switched on across the South West as the build-up to the 2024 festive period begins.

The lights in Plymouth city centre, the biggest display in the region, were switched on earlier.

Entertainers, Santa and the lord mayor were at the Piazza from 16:30 GMT for the event and late night shopping is under way and will take place every Thursday until the end of the Christmas season.

Lights in Exeter will be illuminated on Friday to coincide with the opening of the Cathedral Christmas Market, which is set to host more than 100 stalls of independent traders.

Christmas lights are being switched on across the region

Switch-on dates

Events will be taking place across the region:

• Plymouth (city centre) – Thursday 14 November

• Exeter – Friday 15 November

• Plymouth (Barbican) – Saturday 16 November

• Truro – Friday 22 November

• Newton Abbot – Saturday 23 November

• Barnstaple – Thursday 28 November

• Bay of Lights (Torquay, Paignton & Brixham) – Friday 29 November

• Bodmin – Friday 29 November

• St Austell – Saturday 30 November

• Penzance – Saturday 30 November

• Angarrack - Sunday 1 December

• Mousehole – Thursday 12 December

Cornwall's biggest Christmas market will begin in Truro at Lemon Quay on Friday 22 November at 19:00, running until Christmas Eve hosting stalls of food, drinks and gifts.

The Mousehole Harbour Lights show, which began in 1963, will return on Thursday 12 December - depicting light displays of Santa, Christmas puddings and a juggling octopus.