Bodmin Lights Up

Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, and take advantage of all the activities taking place in town for Bodmin Lights Up, the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event, on Friday, 29th November, with things kickstarting at 4pm.

This special event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and make the most of the excellent businesses on your doorstep. 

Santa will be visiting in his sleigh, street theatre performers will dazzle the crowds, and a Christmas market and fairground will bring the festive cheer to Priory car park. Buskers, caroling and a dancing procession will make its way from the Old Library, and the community is encouraged to join in. 

Shops will be open late, with the chance to get some Christmas shopping done early, and compere Neil Caddy will officially count down to the switching on of the lights at 6.30pm on Mount Folly. Don’t forget about Santa, who will be outside Boots in Fore Street, with the Lions Club of Bodmin, around 5pm.

Road closures will be put in place for the event. Like the Bodmin Lights Up Facebook page for all updates and further details.

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The Beat

After the Christmas lights switch-on, head to The Beat in Bodmin to listen to two fantastic choirs perform, The Dreckly Boys and Belt it Out Bodmin. From 9pm, The Viewers band will hit the stage, a great way to bring the evening to a close. There will be festive treats to enjoy alongside the incredible music offering. Free entry, all welcome. 

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Here Comes Santa Claus 

Bodmin Lions will be sprinkling a little festive magic across town once again this year, giving local children the chance to meet Father Christmas as he makes his way around town over three weeks in December. As usual, there will be a collection to support the Lions’ work in the community.

To find out when he will be visiting a street near you, head to the Lions Club of Bodmin Facebook page, where a list of routes and dates will be published. 

Picture: Bodmin & District Camera Club

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Festive events at Bodmin Railway

Back by popular demand, Santa by Steam is set to bring the magic of Christmas to Bodmin Railway during weekends - and the 23rd and 24th - in December. Children can take part in activity sheets and enjoy a gift from Father Christmas, while parents and caregivers can enjoy a festive tipple at the brand new station bar. With wreath making workshops, private Santa experiences, murder mysteries and much more, Bodmin Railway is bringing plenty of Christmas cheer to Bodmin.

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St Petroc’s Christmas Tree Festival 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St Petroc’s Church, as they get ready to welcome the crowds to their 22nd annual Christmas tree festival from 4th December until Boxing Day. A market, raffle, refreshments and musical guests are set to bring a little extra Christmas cheer between the 4th and 14th December. 

On Saturday, 21st December, Michael Buble fans will be able to soak up the magic of the singer’s best Christmas songs, as tribute act Ultimate Buble take to the stage. The performance starts at 7pm, ending at 11pm. Buy tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/phoenixeventscornwallltd/1148535

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Christmas at Pencarrow

The Washaway Gallery Choir will be performing carols and Christmas music on Friday 6th (7pm) and Saturday 7th December (2.15pm). Tickets are £11 and include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. To book tickets, go to https://www.pencarrow.co.uk/pencarrow-events/

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Bodmin Nursery’s Christmas farmers’ market 

With just days to go until the big day, Bodmin Nursery’s farmers’ market on 21st December offers the chance to grab any last minute treats and gifts, from fresh bread and baked goods, seasonal veggies, meats and cheeses, to festive tipples, cakes and fudge.

What’s more, their Christmas trees have arrived and are now on sale! From cut trees to the humble potted tree, there is something for everyone.

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Hah! Bumhug 

We all know the classic Dickens Christmas tale, but did you ever wonder what happened after the ghosts scarpered?

Sure, Scrooge changed his miserly ways but you know how the economy is, it wasn’t nearly enough to combat the Cratchet’s poverty. Time makes fools of us all and it’s turned Tim (don’t let him catch you calling him Tiny) into a bitter and angry bad boy, a cunning and ruthless cat burglar out for his share of Ebenezer’s ill gotten gains...

Not even the Ghost of Christmas Future saw this one coming.

This comic twist on A Christmas Carol is written and performed by Lecoq trained clown Ethel Darling, delivered in a way that’s never been done before.

For the Tiny Tims and elder Ebeneezers, the young and young and heart. Hah! Bumhug is a festive comedy suitable for all ages.

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Christmas crafting with the Cornish Crafting Cottage

If you have little ones at home that need to be kept busy, bring them along to the Cornish Crafting Cottage’s Christmas crafting workshops at Lanivet Community Centre, on 8th and 14th December. 

There will be two sessions for each of the days: Craft Explorers, for little ones aged 3-5 (10-11am), and family sessions, for all ages, (12-1pm). 

The cost is just £8.50 per child. To book, go to https://bookwhen.com/thecornishcraftingcottage

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Pick your own tree at Cedarcroft Nurseries

For those wanting to make a day out of choosing your Christmas tree, head to Cedarcroft Nurseries in St Tudy, where Mark and his team will be on hand to help you choose the perfect tree for your space at home. What’s more, they have a recycling scheme after the festive season, so you can rest assured your tree will be reused to support next year’s crop. 

https://cedarcroft.co.uk/

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Hearty pub grub at the Masons Arms 

Cosy evenings by a pub fire are one of the simple pleasures of winter. At the Masons Arms, the team is getting ready to host festive celebrations with their mouth-watering Christmas menu, offering two courses for £25 or three courses for £30, from festive burgers and incredible puddings, to classic roast turkey with all the trimmings and some amazing veggie options (the chestnut mushroom crumble is definitely one to try). Whether you’re after a merry celebration with your colleagues, friends or family, or would just like to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a pint of your favourite ale by the fire, the Masons Arms has something for everyone this Christmas. 

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Festive tipples with Colwith Farm Distillery 

Try your hand at making a Christmas gin fizz using Colwith Farm Distillery’s very own Aval Dor Christmas Gin, available to purchase online or by popping into the distillery at Lanlivery. 

Simply add the gin, a splash of orange juice and some ice into a cocktail shaker, and shake for 20 seconds. Fine strain into a high-ball glass and top up with sparkling wine, then garnish with slices of fresh orange. 

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Have we missed you? 

Let us know about your Christmas event, business offer or community gathering so we can spread the word. Email content@life-media.co.uk