A host of events are set to take place in and around Barrow Indoor Market in the next few weeks.

The aim is to spread a bit of Christmas cheer, as well as using it as an opportunity to promote local businesses.

The 'festive bonanza' comes before work is due to accelerate in the new year on the multi-million pound Barrow Town Centre Regeneration Scheme.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets, said: "Traders, staff and partners are pulling out the stops to make this Christmas a special one."

Events have already taken place at the market this month, including Christmas concerts by Barrow Male Voice Choir and Askam Brass Band, and carol singing by St Columba's Catholic Primary School, Dane Ghyll Primary School and Ormsgill Primary School.

Boom Dang Drummers will be hosting a free family event at the outdoor market on Saturday December 16 and Santa will be in his grotto in the Market Hall from 1pm to 4pm on Friday December 22.

Also on December 22, a December Yule Market is set to take place from 10am until 4pm at the outdoor market, with local traders selling locally produced items.

The library will also be offering free children’s crafts and storytelling throughout the day.

Barrow Market will be open six days a week throughout December, including Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile, many other festive events are planned, including the Lost Shops exhibition and a Voce – Magic of Christmas concert in Barrow Town Hall.

An outdoor lightbox installation for the Lost Shops exhibition, by Sarah Hardacre and supported by Art Gene and BarrowFull, will also be in Duke Street and Cornwallis Street from December 8 to 15.

On Saturday December 16, spread out across Barrow town centre, there will be a Stamp Card trail and taster events, with free family fun including an ice rink, curling rink, snowboard simulator, toy testing and creative workshops.