Families and youngsters are heading to Whitehaven today for the town's sparkly Christmas lights switch-on.

The programme of events kicked off at 12pm today, and already crowds have enjoyed acts on the CFM stage, on Lowther Street, a variety of stalls on offer on King Street.

Already proving to be a big hit of the day is a land train on Lowther Street for families and children.

Youngsters will even have the chance to meet Father Christmas and fairytale princesses onboard the train this afternoon.

Coun Charles Maudling, of Whitehaven Town Council, said: "It started to gt busy quite early on. There's lots going on. The Christmas markets are doing good trading now."

"I encourage families to come down. There is a full programme of events. There is something for everyone."

Among those taking to the stage was Pitch Perfect Youth Choir, led by Cory Spedding. They sang carols with a modern twist as well as a song from the Disney film Moana and My Happy Ending by Mike.

Cory said: "It just means everything to be able to showcase their talents in my town."

She said youngsters in the choir are from across West Cumbria.

Crowds are expected to gather to watch Little Mix and Ariana Grande tribute acts, dance troupes, fairytale princesses and street entertainers.

The event will feature CFM's roadshow, Taylor's funfair, and people will also be able to spot princesses from Darling Manor in the town.

Programme on CFM stage on Lowther Street:

12pm - 12.30pm: CFM games

12.30pm - 1pm: Northern Threads band

1pm - 1.30pm: CFM games

1.30pm - 1.45pm: Cory Spedding Choir

1.45pm- 2pm: Stage Stars

2.05pm - 2.20pm: Darling Manor princesses

2.25pm - 2.35pm: Pop Steps

2.40pm - 3pm: A&B Stage School

3pm - 3.30pm: Little Mix Tribute

3.40pm - 4pm: Jolan

4pm - 4.10pm: Pop Steps

4.15pm - 5pm: Ariana Grande tribute

5pm - 5.15pm: Dance Ranch

5.25pm- 5.35pm: Pop Steps

5.40pm - 6.30pm: Little Mix Tribute

6.30pm: Christmas lights switch on

The festivities will also include two Christmas trees at St Nicholas' Church.

A street collection will be held for the mayor's charity, Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

There will be a selection of arts and crafts stalls on King Street, and there will also be street entertainers.

Coun Maudling said a land train which will run from outside St Nicholas Gardens, along Church street, Duke Street, Queen Street and back onto Lowther Street.

There will be intervals on board the train where families will be able to meet Father Christmas and other characters.

The land train is being sponsored by Pop Steps, Danch Ranch and Whitehaven Chamber of Trade.

The mayor of Whitehaven, Brian O'Kane will be joined by the Little Mix tribute act and Ariana Grande tribute act for the switch-on.

Numerous Christmas festivities activities are also taking place at Solway Hall, on Lowther Street, for families.

Organiser Anne Kelly said the following acts will perform at the hall between 12pm and 3pm: Whitehaven Theatre Group, Rosehill Youth Theatre, Singing Stars and Stage Stars.

Paw Patrol characters are set to be on hand at the venue to have their photos taken with youngsters.

Father Christmas will make an appearance at 3pm and the grotto will open.

Mrs Kelly said a youngsters talent show will take place at the Solway Hall from 6.30pm and an adults talent show will be held at 8.30pm.

"We've got a lot going on!" she added. "It's a family day. If anyone wants to join the talent show, get in touch."

All events at the Solway Hall are free (except meeting Santa which costs £5 per child), however, donations are welcome. Funds raised on the day will go towards running the Solway Hall.

Copeland Council's car parks at the Copeland Centre, sports centre and The Ginns will be free.