There was a celebration of all things Lanson in St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday, February 2, for the Mayor’s Civic Service.

Councillors, local organisations and visiting dignitaries were expertly led by the mayor Cllr Helen Bailey and her mayor’s chaplain Rev Sean Clancy in a traditional service, with a few ‘modern’ songs thrown in.

The congregation were in good voice for the first hymn ‘One more step along the world I go’ before Launceston Youth Music Theatre (LYMT) group showed them how its done with three impressive numbers including ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Be Our Guest’ from Beauty and the Beast.

The final number was taken straight from their upcoming performance ‘Legally Blonde the musical’, which audience members are surely looking forward to after that sneak peak.

Thanking the mayor online after the service, a spokesperson said: “We couldn’t have been more proud of our wonderful company today, singing for the Mayor of Launceston at her Civic Ceremony.

“The young people of Launceston Youth Music Theatre showing confidence, talent and impeccable behaviour. What fantastic ambassadors you are - you did us proud! At one point it did feel as if we had taken over the town.

“Thank you once again to our lady mayor for all your support and congratulations on a wonderful celebration of all you do.”

Readings were given by deputy mayor Cllr Nicola Gilbert (Ecclesistes v4 9-12) and Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Rev Michael Dobson (John v11 18-21) before St Mary Magdalene Choir displayed their talents with a beautiful rendition of John Rutter’s ‘Look at the World’.

To finish the musical entertainment for the afternoon the town’s band gave some incredible performances before joining in for the finale — a rousing chorus by all of ‘Cornwall My Home’ and the National Anthem.

During the service there was rapturous applause for the town’s fire service as its representatives were invited to the front of the church to receive the Mayor’s Civic Award for the year 2025.

Firefighters Ryan Harris, Josh Harris, Adam Daw, Luke Bailey-Smith, Scott Sanders and crew managers Graham Newberry and Karl Hockridge, were presented with the accolade by Cllr Bailey and the High Sherriff of Cornwall Sam Galsworthy.

Following the successful service, Cllr Bailey told the Post: “It was an amazing celebration of Launceston and highlighted the way the town works so well together, from business to voluntary organisations, town council and county councillors.

“A huge thank you to Launceston Town Band, St Mary’s Choir and Launceston Youth Music Theatre for their musical contribution showing the wealth of talent our town has.

“The Mayor’s Civic Award presented by the High Sheriff to Launceston Fire Brigade expressed the gratitude to the brave fire officers who put themselves in danger to help others, attend the too many road traffic accidents and support residents.

“We are so lucky to have a group of local people prepared to be members of the retained fire service and if you could consider joining them go and ask.”