Porthleven’s festive season is officially underway after last night’s lights switch-on event and the start of a three-day Christmas market.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the switching on of the port’s Christmas lights display on Friday evening, which included a special visit from Father Christmas.

Porthleven Town Band played carols and festive tunes before mayor Mike Toy welcomed everyone to the event.

Porthleven Town Band perform carols and festive songs at the Harbour HeadPorthleven Town Band perform carols and festive songs at the Harbour Head (Image: Kathy White) Loraine Childs and Sally Dawson collect donations (Image: Kathy White) It was then over to Riley Williams to perform the honours this year and press the plunger to illuminate the port.

There was also singing from the Light and Life Gospel Choir, next to the Christmas tree at the Harbour Head. 

Riley Williams presses the plunger to light up the portRiley Williams presses the plunger to light up the port (Image: Kathy White) The Light and Life Gospel Choir perform (Image: Kathy White) Santa will now be in his grotto in the Shipyard Market this Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 1pm and then again from 2pm to 4pm, with £5 entry to include a gift.

Tickets will also be on sale during these times for this year’s Christmas raffle, with two luxury hampers available to win. The draw will take place on Sunday at 4pm.

Last night saw the first of the three-day Christmas Market in the Shipyard Market, which is back open again today (Saturday) and Sunday.

Shara Giliberto and Tracy Dunkley get ready to play with the band (Image: Kathy White) Keira and Fern by the treeKeira and Fern by the tree (Image: Kathy White) Over three days, the market will host more than 50 independent small businesses and traders selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to pottery and beers, wines and art – and everything in between.

Along with Porthleven’s restaurants and cafes, there will be some of Cornwall’s best street food vendors on site.

A visit from Father ChristmasA visit from Father Christmas (Image: Kathy White) There will also be some festive entertainment thrown in, and carols to performed throughout the three days.

The market will be open from 10am to 7pm today (Saturday) and again tomorrow (Sunday, December 1).

Seb Blakemore and BarnabySeb Blakemore and Barnaby (Image: Kathy White)

  • See more photos from the 2024 Porthleven lights switch on in our gallery at the top of the page.