CHRISTMAS is coming to town tonight at an annual light switch on event.

Barrow will be lit up with festive fun as this year’s lights are switched on by Taylor Smith, who was voted for by the Barrow community.

The switch on is organised by Beth and Denis Horan of Ultimate Events UK who are ‘very excited’ to bring the 2022 Christmas Lights Switch On to Barrow once again.

They said that it is going to be a ‘fabulous day’ with ‘amazing local acts’ who are all performing for no fee. The event will start from 3pm.

Those who will be performing include Harrison Holmes, Boomdang, Beth Horan, Bethan McAllister, Instep School of Dance, Shine Theatre Company, Shone Production’s Cinderella cast, Take off That, Instep School of Dance, and Caitlin McIntosh of Walney Musical Theatre Company who will be performing as Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

The event will be presented by local entertainer Pete Murphy, and even Santa Claus will be making an appearance to sing a song or two.

Beth Horan said: "It's a magical time of year and we are delighted to put the event on again thanks to help from many partners so thank you all for supporting this community highlight, we urge everyone to wrap up, come down, remember to social distance and enjoy the festive fun.

“We are looking forward to seeing our inspirational switch on vote winner Taylor light up the town around 5.45pm.”

A road closure will be in place for the event. Market Street from the edge of the Town Hall, opposite The Holiday Inn, around to Schneider Square roundabout, will be temporarily closed from 4.30pm-6.15pm to allow a safe over spill area for the light switch on event.

Access will be permitted for emergency services only during this period and diversions are in place for all other vehicles via Alfred Barrow Medical Centre past Morrisons petrol station and then onto Cornwallis Street.

Portland Walk Carpark will also be closed.

Organisers of the event said: “Sorry for any inconvenience caused during this time but the safety of the event and visitors is of upmost importance to us.”