Christmas arrived in Dalton in style over the weekend as the lights switch-on event returned.

The festivities took place on Sunday, December 1 with a range of activities and entertainment organised throughout the town.

With the community coming together to kickstart the festive season, the celebrations culminated in the main switch-on at 6.30pm, ensuring Dalton looks the part for the month ahead.

A number of kids got the chance to meet Santa on SundayA number of kids got the chance to meet Santa on Sunday (Image: Chris Warner)

A spokesperson from Dalton with Newton Town Council commented: "[We] would like to pass on our sincere thanks to Barrow BID, and in particular Paul Hodgson, for their organisation of the switch-on this year.

"It was a fantastic event enjoyed by everyone who attended - it was great to see local support of our town."

It was the first time that the event has gone ahead in two years after heavy snowfall in 2023 forced the organisers to make the difficult decision of cancelling proceedings.

This meant that residents came out in their droves to make the most of the switch-on's return.

The honour of turning on the lights this year went to town crier Alan Brown who was named as the best in his profession across the whole of Britain in June.

Left: Darcey Birkett-Hughes, age four, having fun making crafts at the Barrowfull stand; Right: Madison Quirk with her flower arrangementLeft: Darcey Birkett-Hughes, age four, having fun making crafts at the Barrowfull stand; Right: Madison Quirk with her flower arrangement (Image: Chris Warner)

Having already wowed locals as part of Shop Barrow Day on Saturday, the Extreme Mountain Bike Show returned to Furness as one of the main spectacles as part of the event.

Running alongside the switch-on was the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church, once again organised by Sylvia Stoker, which will be running until Friday, December 27.

Featuring 50 trees that have been decorated by members of the community, the festival was one of the stand-out attractions at the weekend.

Read more: Celebrate Dalton Day: Cumbria residents honour their town | The Mail

One resident said: "So much hard work and effort must have gone into staging, and creating this wonderful festival.

"So unique and beautiful, I walked around three times - each tree was made with love."

Dalton is now ready for the arrival of ChristmasDalton is now ready for the arrival of Christmas (Image: Chris Warner)

In the build up to the main switch-on, a number of creative workshops were organised throughout Dalton, thanks to groups such as Artworks 4All, BarrowFull, and Little Rebels.

The event was able to go ahead thanks to backing from BAE Systems, the Furness Building Society, and Dalton with Newton Town Council.