Crowds enjoy Barrow Christmas Light Switch On despite Storm Bert

The crowd was not deterred by cold, wind or rain as they gathered in the town centre to watch the festive entertainment.

(Image: Chris Warner) The event was organised by husband-and-wife team Beth and Denis Horan, from Ultimate Events UK, who took it over in 2016 when the council could no longer find the funding.

An afternoon of performances saw Roose School Choir, Cee-Jay Williams, Paris Corkill, Zac Thompson, Leon Knight, Jack Dale and an Olivia Rodrigo Tribute act take the stage.

They were also joined by organiser and professional singer Beth Horan.

Zac, one of the musicians to sing in front of the audience outside Barrow Town Hall, described the experience as ‘daunting’.

Zac on stage (Image: Newsquest) “When you get up there, it's big and dark, all you can see is the smoke in front of you," he said.

“There were quite a few people out in the audience and you have to think about how to fill the stage as an acoustic musician."

Zac has played at the Christmas Light Switch On for the past few years.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s good for the community, brings a lot of people together and supports local performers.

“It’s an event people will return to year after year and bring their future kids to. I hope to come and do it again in the future.”

(Image: Chris Warner) Special guests included stilt walkers, gingerbread men and snowmen, as well as a Grumpy Grinch and the main man – Father Christmas.

Santa with Kaiden Whitehead (Image: Chris Warner) This year’s Switch On Star was Walney Under Eight’s Football team The Yellows who took to the pitch for 12 hours straight to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Mayor of Barrow Cllr Judith McEwan said: “I think it’s a fantastic occasion for the town. You can see the number of people that have turned out even though it's such an awful day and the weather is atrocious.

“It brings us all together and to see all the children - their excitement with Santa and everything is just an absolute delight.

(Image: Newsquest) “It’s one of the things I look forward to every year, I think it’s amazing, I really do.

“I just think it’s fantastic how many people turn out and everybody enjoys it even though we’re standing in the rain.

“We’ve got some children from Walney Football club who are switching the lights on which is lovely because it recognizes the fundraising they have done. It gives them a thank you and shows that everyone thinks what they’ve done is brilliant.

“It’s just a great tradition and long may it continue.”