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Barrow and Carlisle hold Christmas lights switch-on celebrations

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 12:56 · Archive

Barrow and Carlisle held Christmas lights switch-on events with live entertainment and festive activities.

Barrow town centre was filled with festive celebrations on Saturday, 14 November as crowds gathered for the Christmas lights switch-on, organised by Barrow BID. The event featured live music and entertainment throughout the town centre before the lights were switched on in the evening. Performers on the CandoFM stage included The Gears, Ash Nelson, Jack Dale and 12-year-old Solomon, alongside Sam Charnley, Joe Metcalfe and Tilly Lawson. A procession featuring Boom Dang set off from the Spirit of Barrow statue at 5pm and made its way to the main stage, where a Michael Bublé tribute act then entertained the crowds before the Christmas lights were switched on around an hour later.

Earlier in the day, families in Barrow enjoyed train rides, Christmas crafts, a Makers' Market and a Mountain Bike Stunt Show. Santa and the Grinch met visitors throughout the event. The celebrations also featured an illuminated gift-box display and the Royal Wheel.

Carlisle's switch-on also took place on the same day, organised by Cumberland Council. The event took place outside the Old Town Hall and ran from 3pm until 5.30pm, with the switch-on scheduled for 5pm. Festivities began from 3pm with entertainment, food stalls and live performances, including school choirs from Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School, Blackford and Rockcliffe Primary Schools and Kirkbride Primary School, alongside StagedRight Productions, Express Dance Studios and violinist Gill Wadeson.

Pop star Una Healy, formerly of The Saturdays, headlined Carlisle's event, while Britain's Got Talent winner Harry Moulding hosted the afternoon celebrations. At 5pm, thousands of Christmas lights and decorations across Scotch Street, English Street, Castle Street, Fisher Street and the Greenmarket were officially switched on. Councillor Anne Quilter said the switch-on is a special occasion that brings people together at the start of the festive season. Food and drink vendors were on hand throughout both events, offering a variety of festive treats.

Barrow and Carlisle hold Christmas lights switch-on celebrations
Image: News & Star

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In this story: Barrow · Carlisle · Una Healy · Harry Moulding · Cumberland Council · Barrow BID · The Saturdays

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log