Christmas Light switch ons
Christmas Light switch ons
There is no other time of the year that our streets look as pretty as they do when they become illuminated with beautiful twinkly Christmas Lights.
The Christmas Light switch on is, for many of us, the beginning of Christmas. Often celebrated with an event, many towns and villages go to great efforts to make it special, often holding market stalls, fair rides, live music and of course Santa usually makes an appearance!
This year Cumbria’s towns have pulled out all the stops, here is the round-up of what’s to come.
Keswick – 17th November
The day will begin with a festive food and gift market from 10.00am, entertainment in Packhorse Court from 4.45pm and entertainment on the main stage from 6.00pm. The lights will be switched on at 7.00pm by Andy, Mike and Tim aka the 3 Dads Walking who are actively raising awareness of suicide.
Dog owners are asked to think carefully before bringing their own dogs to the light switch on, the market square becomes busy and there will be loud music.
Whitehaven 18th November
Whitehaven’s light switch on will see a whole day of entertainment from local performers. There will be live music, carol singing and street theatre from 11am through until 5pm. There will also be dance groups appearing throughout the day. Greatest hits Cumbria will also be bringing the music all day long. The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Whitehaven Town Council Chris Hayes at 4.30pm.
Penrith – 18th November
On Saturday 18th November, Penrith’s Town centre will be filled with music and laughter and LIGHTS! Plans are brewing which include a collection of street performers, live music, performances, Santa, crafts, tractor parade and much more.
The centre will be a hive of activity for those enjoying an afternoon shopping. From 10am a host of gift stalls will fill Little Dockray, later joined by Santa and his elves. From 2pm Matrix Circus starts teaching those willing some hula skills while at 2.30pm the Ullswater Community Colleges Choir fills Market Square with vocal splendour. Bishops Yard School of Dance entertains the crowds at 4pm while local band ‘Soul Survivors’ perform on the stage.
From 5pm a parade of ‘Christmas-ified’ tractors travel through town, keen to get votes to help win the top prize! Monies raised will go to help Penrith Mountain Rescue.
They come with a funky brass band and our Celebrity guest, Helen Skelton, who is very keen to watch the whole spectacle. Helen, star of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and Countryfile, will be joining Santa and pressing the all-important plunger. Helen, originally from the Eden Valley, commented:
“Stepping up to turn on the Christmas lights in Penrith this year is a wonderful honour! Being a local lass, it’s a brilliant event to be part of and my family and I can’t wait to enjoy the whole thing!”
Carlisle – 19th November
Carlisle’s annual Christmas Lights event will welcome international star Chesney Hawkes to the stage.
The sparkling spectacular will be held between 3pm and 5.30pm on Sunday 19 November outside the Old Town Hall.
The popstar will be joined by saxophonist Vicki Watson and the event will be hosted by family-favourite Robbie Dee and Carlisle United Manager Paul Simpson will make a guest appearance at this year’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On event will also be a showcase of local community groups and performers including Castle Carrock Primary School, Studio A Dance Company, Committed 2 Rock Community Choir and Newtown Primary School.
The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by Cumberland Council and will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages.
The switch-on will take place at 5pm.
Cockermouth – 19t November
Cockermouth always has an array of fantastic events and this year is no exception. The stage will host a variety of local entertainment including performances from local schools and live music from Luke Matear and Sneaky Finch.
You can also expect an array of food and drink stalls, a funfair, keep your eyes out for the grumpy Grinch and of course Santa will be there in his Grotto awaiting the big switch on!
Cleator Moor – 24th November
Cleator Moor has a fabulous day lined up for their Christmas Lights event. The events will take place inside the comfort and warmth of the Cleator Moor Civic and Masonic Centre – meaning we needn’t worry about the Cumbrian Weather!
There will be a christmas market with a variety of stalls selling fantastic homemade gifts and yummy things. From handmade jewellery to homemade desserts, You are sure to find something to get you excited.
As well as the markets the day will also see a variety of local entertainment such as the Cleator Moor Brass band and local school choirs filling the room with festive tunes!
Workington – 25th November
Workington Town Council will be bringing Christmas to Workington on the 25th of November this year and it’s set to light-up all those festive vibes.
The festivities will begin at 11am in the town centre and the whole event will conclude with the switching on of the lights at 5pm. There is set to be a fantastic lineup of local performances, live music and loads to do.
It wouldn’t be a festive event without a Christmas Market. There will be an array of market stalls offering a variety of gifts, food and drink as well as arts and craft stalls to get involved with. This year children will have the opportunity to meet some awesome critters and creatures at the Pet Encounters stall.
There will be puppets, magic shows, a giant snow globe, and lots more to get involved with including Science Booth Workshops, where little science-buffs are encouraged to unleash the mad scientist within them!
It’s going to be a day filled with festive fun for the whole family and Workington Town Council invites one and all to enjoy the festivities where a warm welcome awaits…
Egremont – 25th – 26th November
Christmas Market Weekend in Egremont Market Hall on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November from 9.30 – 4.30pm each day.
There will be various stalls selling Christmas crafts and food, you can sit down and enjoy some mulled wine and enjoy the live music including choirs, ukulele band and a rendition from the Whitehaven Theatre Group of their Cinderella pantomime and of course their very own Egremont Town Band.
Of course the “Real” Father Christmas will be in his grotto, he wouldn’t miss his annual visit to Egremont and he looks forward to seeing everyone again. There will be no charge to meet Father Christmas, they just ask for your patience as he has lots of children to meet!
There is no charge to attend the event so come along and see all that is on offer, you won’t be disappointed.
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