CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
LIGHTS SWITCH ON – 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 – 18th November
Keswick is having it’s usual lights switch on event on Friday 18th November. The evening begins with a event hosted by the Rotary Club in Packhorse Court, aimed at children where Peter Rabbit will be visiting, and local school choirs will be singing. This starts at 4.45pm until 6pm.
At 6pm, the focus moves to Market Square where Keswick-based group Local Vocals will be singing for an hour to warm up the crowd, and then at 7pm the lights will be switched on by members of Keswick Mountain Rescue.
Whitehaven – 19th November
This year Whitehaven Town Council have a fantastic day lined up for the switching on on the Christmas Lights. The day will begin at Noon until 5pm in the Market Place. There will be a stage which will host local artists throughout the day as well as a fantastic ABBA tribute act! Taylors Funfair will also be set up on the harbour.
Penrith – 19th November
On Saturday 19th November, Penrith’s Town centre will come alive with music, laughter and LIGHTS! Plans are brewing which include a collection of street performers, live music, singers, dancers, Santa, crafts, lantern parade and much more.
From 2pm Market Square and Cornmarket will be a hub of activity for those enjoying an afternoon shopping. From 12noon until 4pm there is a free decoration and lantern workshop in the Devonshire arcade which we hope inspires the local children to join the parade which starts at the Town Hall at 5.30pm. Then the grand illumination is at 6pm followed by more entertainment.
Cockermouth – 20th November
Cockermouth always have 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.
You can also expect an array of food and drink stalls, Superheroes, princesses and even real life Reindeer! Of course Santa will be there in his Grotto awaiting the big switch on!
Carlisle – 20th November
Carlisle’s sparkling spectacular will be held between 3pm and 5.30pm on Sunday 20 November.
International popstar Simon Webbe, best known as a member of the British boy band Blue, will headline this year’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
Twist and Pulse of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent fame will also feature in this year’s packed programme, hosted by ITV Britain’s Got Talent Jonny Awsum.
The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch On stage will be in place in the city centre pedestrianised area, outside the Old Town Hall. Organised by Carlisle City Council, it will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages.The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson will trigger a galaxy of Christmas lights in the city centre at 5pm.
Visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk for festive events information.
Carlisle City Council. Christmas lights and shopping in Carlisle City Centre. Photograph Jonathan Becker
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Workington 26th November – Christmas Markets and Light Switch on – Workington Town Council will be bringing Christmas to Workington on the 26th of November this year and it’s set to light-up all those festive vibes with all those classic christmas favourites we all love Santa Claus, Mulled wine and of course festive Dinosaurs!
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. This year children will have the opportunity to meet some awesome critters and creatures at the Pet Encounters stall before meeting the main man himself at Santa’s grotto!
Blue the Velociraptor will also be making an appearance, obviously. It wouldn’t be a proper Cumbrian Christmas without Dinosaurs would it? There will be a lot of fun characters to meet throughout the day from heroes such as Spiderman and Princesses Ana and Elsa to the infamous and grouchy Grinch!
There will be puppets, magic shows, a giant snow globe, gingerbread workshops and lots more to get involved with including Science Booth Workshops, where little science-buffs are encouraged to come and learn how to make their own slime, sherbet and even edible poo!
It’s going to be a day filled with festive fun for the whole family and Workington Town Council invite one and all to enjoy the festivities where a warm welcome awaits….
Egremont – 27th November
Egremont’s Big Light Switch on will take place on November 27th and the whole day begins at 1pm.
CFM will be there hosting the stage where a variety of local performances will take place from school choirs, dance troupes and live music from local artists. The street will be lined with over 50 market stalls offering up delicious festive treats, unique gifts and warming drinks to get you through the day. There will also be street entertainment throughout the event.
Also making an appearance will be Blue the Velociraptor and even a giant polar bear! Keep your eyes peeled for the superheroes strutting the streets and don’t forget to go and say hello to the main man Santa of course.
Wigton – 27th November
Wigton’s Light event will take place on November 27th and has lots of exciting things to do for the whole family.
Most exciting is the Ice Rink! Nothing says winter fun like an ice rink, whether you are an expert glider or like Bambi on ice, this is a fun and rare activity that is sure to have everyone giggling. There will also be a funfair, Santa and his elves will be in attendance and even a Samba band.
Also performing on the day is the Shane Nolan Band and local group Hardwicke Circus as well as other performances from local groups throughout the day.
Cleator Moor – 25th 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 air with festive tunes!
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by local charity fundraiser and marathon man Gary McKee!
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