City of Lights Festival & Parade 2009

2009’s spectacular City of Lights festival begins a little earlier than usual this year and has plenty to enjoy wherever you happen to be standing to witness it. Rather than a big finale or focus, the entertainment this year is more evenly spread around the city and, from as early as 5.45pm, live music in various sites across Truro will begin to build the night’s excitement, while five ‘Rarey Boxes’ – an idea dating back to the 18th Century and specially revived to entertain & delight this year’s City of Lights crowds as a counterpoint to the lantern procession - will be launched on to Truro’s streets. The magic of the procession itself begins as usual at 7pm.

The Theme: Truro’s History
“There are going to be some wonderful stories to tell in this year’s parade and perhaps some new ways to tell them.” Tony Crosby, Lead Artist

Thanks to a special partnership with the Truro Historical Project, this year’s festival takes its themes from the City’s rich history, unearthing fascinating stories from its mercantile, social and maritime past to artistically & creatively inspire the procession in which giant ship lanterns will carry the ‘cargo’ of the city’s past through its streets alongside the smaller-scale Rarey Boxes.

Co-founder and lead artist, Tony Crosby, said: “Our work this year with the Truro Historical Project is a timely opportunity for City of Lights to come full circle. The historic fabric of the town was the focus for the first City of Lights, and Truro has continued to be our inspiration ever since. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and explore the events and people that make our town.”

Manager of Truro Historical Project, Fiona Young, said: “I am delighted that the City of Lights is taking the History of Truro as the theme for 2009 as it will enable everyone involved, including visitors, to engage with the rich Heritage of Truro.”

Totally Truro Business Improvement District is once again collaborating with the City of Lights to incorporate a special Christmas Lights switch-on during the procession. BID manager, Neil Scott, said: “The City of Lights parade is one of the biggest events in our calendar and sets the scene for Christmas festivities over the following weeks. Truro has a unique atmosphere at this time of year and lends itself to a great experience; with this year’s focus on Truro’s fascinating history, City of Lights is not to be missed.”

The Parade Route
Starting out from the Moresk Road area of Truro at 7pm, the procession travels up St Clement Street, along Union Street, down Castle Street, along River Street into St Nicholas Street and on to Boscawen Street, where the lantern parade will pause for a special moment, incorporating the switch-on of Truro’s Christmas lights in collaboration with Totally Truro Business Improvement District.