Christmas came to Barrow a month early, with the town centre transformed into a festive paradise.

The town was awash with free activities and live music for Barrow's 'Christmas Unwrapped'.

The festival culminated in a parade through the town centre led by Santa and Rudolph from Grimefighters and the cast of the upcoming pantomime in Barrow, 'The Santa Express'.

The parade through the town centreThe parade through the town centre (Image: Barrow BID; Jenni Wyllie)

Joining them where Boom Dang, who provided plenty of entertainment throughout the event, and Coffee D'Ash and Business Improvement District director Ashley Holroyd.

The grand reveal on the day was a new giant light display on Dalton Road, with the illuminated present acting as a true gift for all visitors.

A spokesperson from Barrow BID said: "We hope you enjoyed Christmas Unwrapped as much as Santa and his friends have.

"A huge thank you to the businesses of Barrow town centre and Barrow Town Council for all your support with this event."

The festive display - with volunteers from Grimefighters and the Furness Multi-Cultural Community ForumThe festive display - with volunteers from Grimefighters and the Furness Multi-Cultural Community Forum (Image: Barrow BID; Jenni Wyllie)

As well as getting locals in the Christmas spirit, the event was a chance to celebrate the various businesses that make up the town centre.

This included Santa and his helpers visiting Dumbbell Dining, one of the newest establishments on the high street, to enjoy a festively themed burger.

And Coffee D'Ash, which opened the doors to its first permanent store earlier this year, hosted a gingerbread decorating workshop for families to get involved with.

A range of craft workshops hosted by Artworks Art4All, BarrowFull and other local organisations kept visitors busy.

Barrow Mayor, Councillor Judith McEwan (right), had the honour of turning on the lightsBarrow Mayor, Councillor Judith McEwan (right), had the honour of turning on the lights (Image: Barrow BID; Jenni Wyllie) Find out more about the best events in your local area. Subscribe to The Mail today

And, thanks to Grimefighters, a sleigh was specially created for the event, providing the perfect photo opportunity for residents.

"A huge thank you to Grimefighters for all the hard work that has gone in to the making of this," Barrow BID added.

"And our wonderful volunteers from Furness Multi-Cultural Community Forum who helped us out throughout the event."