THE fourth Montol Festival, Penzance's celebration of midwinter, kicks into life this week.

And although the big night, Montol Eve, doesn't take place until December 21, the popular community workshops get under way in the Coach House Penlee Park (old playgroup building) this Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12, between 10am and 9pm.

"We would like to thank Penlee House and Penzance Town Council for letting us use this fantastic facility," said Chris Nixon, the festival's creative director.

"We really hope as many people as possible will join us and help make Montol Eve as colourful and vibrant as possible."

Also coming up as part of Montol are performances of the Mummers play next Tuesday, December 14, by the Golowan band at Penzance Old Cornwall Society at 7.15pm and then at the Pirate Inn, Alverton, and a number of places en route.

The following day, Wednesday, December 15, Penwith College's Christmas concert will take place in St Mary's Church at 7.30pm.

And, says Montol chairman, Simon Reed, Montol's main event is shaping up nicely.

"Hundreds of musicians will join the main procession from St John's Hall at 6pm including guests from all over Cornwall," he said.

"We are very excited about this year's event – despite financial pressures we are still very much on track to give the people of Penzance a fantastic celebration this year."

After the procession to Lescudjack Hillfort where the Montol beacon will be lit, Chapel Street will be closed to traffic.

There will be street entertainment from 10 local groups , including music, dance and circus acts while the Cornish dance group Kemysk will be playing in the Union Hotel from 8pm.

The Montol festival group would like to thank Arts Council South West, Feast and Penzance Town Council for their generous support this year.

More information about Montol 2010 will appear in next week's edition of The Cornishman or log on to the Montol website: www.montol.co.uk