CROWDS from as far as Exeter paid a visit to Tintagel over the weekend, to help celebrate the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

On Saturday, December 3, locals and visitors gathered at 6.30pm at the Visitor Centre in Tintagel to join in with the parade, led through the village to the square by Mary and Joseph, Camelford Town Band and Father Christmas on his sleigh, who later handed out delicious treats and satsumas to local children.

Despite a small slip-up in last week’s Post and a post on Facebook regarding starting times, masses of people still came along to celebrate the community event.

Elaine Flew, PR for the Tintagel Christmas Lights committee, told the Post: “It went fantastically, despite the small slip-up. There were a great number of people who came along to support the event — possibly even more than last year!”

The Rev Michael Parsons, Rev Brian Ede and Rev Brian Storey led the crowd into the carol procession, filling Tintagel with festive song.

The magnificent Christmas lights were switched on by the Tintagel Carnival Queen and Neil Caddy, from Pirate FM.

After Father Christmas handed out sweets, satsumas and Christmassy treats to the children, the crowd soon moved into the Tintagel Arms Hotel, where they were able to enjoy the refreshments on offer, with delicious sausage rolls, pasties, and other pastries provided by Pengenna Pasties. Camelford Town Band also played some festive carols and songs while people enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and other refreshments.

Steve and Jamie, from the Tintagel Arms, had previously donated £1,000 to the Tintagel Christmas Lights committee, from their events during the summer, helping the committee with this highly anticipated event. Out of appreciation, the lights committee presented Steve and Jamie with two decorative snowflakes for their wall.

Another individual the committee has extended thanks to was Julie Potter. Elaine said: “Julie was in the school room selling crafts. She also supplied a raffle and cakes, and donated the money made to the Tintagel lights.”

Elaine added: “The lights committee would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of the people that turned out, as well as Steve and Jamie for their generous donation, and everyone that got involved in the event.”

The committee also wished to express its gratitude to electrician Ted Lowe and his helpers for stepping in again this year. Elaine added: “Without them there would have been no Christmas lights. Ted did it as a favour to the committee and he will not be doing it anymore.”

The committee is therefore seeking help to enable the village to light up for Christmas again next year. Any electricians who would like to find out more are asked to call Elaine on 01840 770345 or contact Tintagel Parish Council.

Next year’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 6.30pm at the Tintagel Council car park. The committee hopes to see a vast amount of people at the next event.