December 23rd isn’t just the day before Christmas Eve in Mousehole….it’s Tom Bawcock’s Eve. Tom was a local fisherman who braved the midwinter weather to land a fine catch on this date, after a period of storms had prevented the men from sailing and the villagers faced famine. His act of heroism is commemorated annually and the story is re-enacted in the harbour ; the streets are illuminated with the famous harbour lights, there is a lantern parade and a special local delicacy called star-gazy pie is served. Unsurprisingly, this is a fish pie with a pastry crust; perhaps more surprisingly, the heads of the fish stick out through the crust to gaze at the diners. The Ship Inn is the place to eat the pie – you’ll also hear a special song about Tom’s brave act during the parade. Carol singing follows on the beach.