Who’s Lighting Up Penzance? 10-Year-Old Harry Wade Takes Centre Stage

Christmas Lights Switch-On Gets a Creative Touch

Penzance is gearing up for a dazzling start to the festive season, with the town’s Christmas lights set to be switched on by a special guest: 10-year-old Harry Wade from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Harry was chosen as the overall winner of the Mayor of Penzance’s annual Christmas Card Competition, a cherished event now in its fifth year.

Christmas Card Competition Sparks Creativity

The competition invited Year 5 and 6 pupils from schools across the Penzance Parish to showcase their artistic flair. This year’s theme, Christmas Under the Sea, inspired an impressive 175 entries from five local schools: Gulval School, Heamoor Community Primary School, St Mary’s C of E School, Alverton Primary School, and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

The Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, had the challenging task of narrowing down the entries to five winners—one from each participating school—and ultimately selecting an overall winner. Harry’s design, which will be sent as an e-card in line with Penzance Council’s environmental values, stole the show.

Celebrating the Winners

The winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition are:

• Harry Wade from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School (overall winner)
• Stacey from Heamoor Community Primary School
• Bella-Marie from Alverton Primary School
• Ophelia from St Mary’s C of E School
• Wilby from Gulval School

Each winner will receive a prize from the Mayor, with Harry taking on the prestigious role of switching on the town’s Christmas lights on Saturday, 30 November.

A Proud Moment for St Mary’s Catholic Primary

Harry’s victory has been met with excitement at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Headteacher Mrs Bingham said, “We are all delighted that Harry has won the Christmas card competition! What a great achievement for Harry and a proud moment for St Mary’s Catholic School! We are all very proud!”

Harry’s Design Reaches Far and Wide

As the winning design, Harry’s creation will be sent by the Mayor of Penzance to schools, community organisations, Parish Councillors, and the Armed Forces across Cornwall and beyond—even reaching as far as Nevada City, California.

Reflecting on the competition, Stephen Reynolds commented, “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, as Mayor of Penzance! To choose the winner from such an amazing range of colourful, witty, imaginative interpretations of Christmas Under the Sea – the school pupils of Penzance Parish have risen to the challenge. The future of art in our community is obviously safe!”

Make sure to head to Penzance on 30th November to see Harry Wade light up the town and kick off the festive celebrations in style.

📷The overall winning entry by Harry Wade from St Mary's Catholic Primary School. Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds chooses a winner from the 175 entries for his annual Christmas Card Competition. Photo by Penzance Council.

Photo: The overall winning entry by Harry Wade from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds chooses a winner from the 175 entries for his annual Christmas Card Competition. Photo by Penzance Council.