Maritime magic at Mousehole Harbour Lights

When: 13th December 2014 – 3rd January 2015

Where: Mousehole, Cornwall

£: Free but donations welcome to keep the event running

What is it?

Head to Mousehole in Cornwall between 13th December and 3rd January for their unique annual Christmas display.  This is the 51st year that the Mousehole Harbour Lights have lit up the Cornish fishing village.

Every year the harbour and village streets are lit up with creative light displays.  The lights were first started in 1963 by a local artist and continue today thanks to the hard work of volunteers.  Over 7000 bulbs are used in the displays along with rope lighting, strings of lanterns and lamps.  Around 5.5 miles of cables are also used to create the displays.

The switch-on for 2014 will be on Saturday 13th December and the lights will remain lit every evening between 5pm and 11pm, until Saturday 3rd January 2015; with the exception of 19th December when the lights are dimmed between 8pm and 9pm.  This is in memory of the 16 lives lost from the crews of lifeboat Solomon Browne and coaster Union Star on that date in 1981.

For the switch-on the village roads are closed as the harbour and village come alive with the grand festive lights.  This year there will be an open-air Carolaire service at the entrance to the North Quay. The Carolaire Choir, consisting of the Mousehole Male Voice Choir, Members of the Mousehole Methodist Church and friends from the community together with the Pendeen Silver Band, will lead the community singing.

The Mousehole Harbour Lights bring great pleasure to many thousands of people every Christmas, not just from Cornwall but visitors travel to Mousehole from all over the UK.  Those planning to visit the lights should be aware that parking in the village is limited.  It is best to park outside the village and walk in.

More info: www.mouseholelights.org.uk and www.facebook.com/Mouseholeharbourlights