November usually brings a real change in the seasons and this year is no different; I am now scraping ice off the car and adding gloves, hats and scarves to the list of things to remember/search for every morning.

In Truro, the transition to winter is marked by the City of Lights parade; a warming mix of illuminated lanterns, music and dancing on what is usually a cold (and sometimes rainy) night. The parade, which first began in 1995, involves local artists, school children and community groups and culminates in the official ‘switch on’ of the Christmas lights. (One year we had to give the signal to the light operator on a side street who had missed his cue.) It’s the first event in what has become a regular pattern; Wednesdays from now on include late night shopping, Truro Fatstock Show, a visit from Santa and his (real) reindeer, Victorian Christmas craft markets and more besides. Find out about the all the festive fun in #ourgreatlittlecity here.

If you’re going to attend, make sure you plan ahead as the roads and car parks get very busy. Consider using the park and ride.

The theme this year was ‘Remember’ to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1.