Christmas in Camborne 2016 promises to be very special. With more quality independent shops than ever before and free parking every weekend from Saturday 26 November, when the lights are switched on, it’s become a lively, welcoming place for shopping, seasonal entertainment, good food and fun.
Having voted to become a Business Improvement District (BID) in 2012, Camborne is transforming itself. Streets are cleaner, safer and more vibrant thanks to the efforts of the hard-working BID team (made up of one part-time manager and nine enthusiastic volunteer directors) and town guides, welcome maps, free parking, miles of brightly-coloured bunting, a new website and lots of social media have all contributed to a significant increase in visitors. That in turn has encouraged new businesses to open and, with more shops, restaurants and people, there is a buzz about Camborne that wasn’t there before.
Throughout November, BID levy-payers have been voting on whether or not to take BID forward for a second term of five years. The result is being announced on 2 December and hopes are high for a yes’ vote that will, amongst other aspirations, ensure Christmas in Camborne events continue until 2022. In the meantime, this year’s Christmas lights switch-on, performed by international rugby union star Josh Matavesi and funded by BID Camborne, promises to be sparkling.
“We’ve produced and distributed 7000 copies of our Christmas 2016 guide and are looking forward to a fun-filled festive atmosphere in the very heart of Cornwall,” said BID Manager Mel Martin. “Our theme this year is rugby following the success of Camborne RFC in the league and the fact that the club has managed to gain the support needed to secure the freehold of their ground. As a community, we’re very proud of their achievements and wanted to reflect that in our programme.
“During the day of the switch-on, the rugby club’s ladies will be collecting donations for their Raising the Bar campaign to make club improvements and provide facilities for community use. The atmosphere will be very festive with Father Christmas arriving at 2.30 and the Holman Climax Choir, Camborne Town Band, Camborne Rugby Choir and Camborne Youth Club providing entertainment at various times throughout the day. Josh Matavesi, who comes from Camborne, will switch the lights on at 6pm – just after Camborne Rugby Club juniors pass an illuminated rugby ball from Tyacks Hotel to the Square.”
Free parking every weekend up until Christmas Day has proved to be a big draw for shoppers, which is why BID levy-payers attach so much importance to the annual arrangement with Cornwall Council that the BID team organises. Weekly produce and craft markets also provide an additional attraction.
“Christmas is a highlight of Camborne town’s calendar so BID, on behalf of businesses, has taken responsibility for installing the Christmas tree and taking charge of the Christmas lights displays since 2012,” said BID Camborne Chairman George le Hunte. “Camborne Town Council is not providing any funding this year so, without BID, Christmas in Camborne would not be happening. That’s just one of the reasons why a yes’ vote for another five-year BID term is so important.”
For more information about all that is going on in Camborne, visit
