X Copy link to paste in your message / Comments(0) An appeal has gone out for businesses to get behind Truro City of Lights after it was rescued from the brink of collapse when organisers managed to secure funding for the event. The hugely popular but self-financed annual procession has always suffered from a lack of funding, partly because not enough of the 30,000 spectators contribute on the night and it receives no monetary backing from locals or businesses. Less than a month after it was announced that the procession would not be able to go ahead as usual, Truro City Council and Totally Truro Business Improvement District (BID) found a way to plug the financial gap. And after a public backlash during that time over the decision that instead of the parade there would be an artistic light installation at Victoria Gardens, the organisers had a rethink about how they could find the money to reinstate the parade. The emergency funding was granted by Truro City Council and Totally Truro on the understanding that new ways of financing the event be found and organisers have warned that without donations the procession’s future remains uncertain. The parade will now take place as usual on November 23 from 7pm using the same route as last year, with no installation in Victoria Garden. Organisers have sent out a rallying call to businesses to get behind the mid-winter themed celebration that attracts about 30,000 people to the streets of Truro every November. Approximately 1,000 schoolchildren, college students, artists, members of community groups and performers take part in the annual event, which is supported by more than 150 volunteers. Simon Hendra, owner of Lemon Street Market and event sponsor, said: “City of Lights has progressed significantly from its humble beginnings 20 years ago to what it has become today. It plays a significant role in bringing together so many people from across the region, offering a unique opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to physically construct the lanterns and then participate in the accompanying procession of music and dance. “For many this will be their only opportunity to be involved in the practical side of performing arts and it may be the only time that their families will see them perform.