Superheroes, Disney princesses, choirs, Santa and even a panto dame turned out to make sure Workington’s Christmas festival and lights switch on event, organised by Workington Town Council, was fun for everyone.

Entertainment started on the main stage at 11am on Saturday with John Hastings, then Small Mercies and the Allstar Singing School. Lee Adams was singing at 1.30pm, followed by a festive Workington Town Band.

At 4pm WADAMS had the crowds singing and dancing with a panto medley, and the singing continued at 4.30pm with the Committed2Rock choir and their BIG Christmas singalong, right up to the switch on at 5pm by Workington mayor Barbara Cannon, assisted by the winners of the town council children’s Christmas card competition.

It is the second time that Workington mayor Barbara Cannon has had the honour of switching on the town’s lights, the first time was in Cllr Cannon’s first term as mayor, 26 years ago.

She said: “It’s a brilliant turn out and people should be proud of the town as everyone has put on such a big show, it’s absolutely fabulous some of the things I’ve seen today, I’m pleased and delighted that the town council is able to do that. I know from the comments we get that people really appreciate what we do in the town so let’s just hope we can keep doing that.”

Cath Marcangelo from Committed2Rock choir said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this prestigious event, switching the lights on with the mayor, we hope you’re going to enjoy all our music.”

Town clerk Chris Bagshaw was pleased that everything had gone smoothly. He said the organisation for Workington’s lights takes a lot of doing as they are one of the biggest street lights displays, covering a large area and provision for next year’s event starts next week.

Tegan Falc of Northside, who enjoyed the event with her daughter Sienna, two, son Leo James, six-months-old and partner Ryan Mahoney said: "We come every year, it’s been good. It’s something to do with the kids. They’ve been to see Santa and the princesses and superheroes. It was the first time Leo James has been to see Santa."

The town was buzzing with atmosphere with activities happening in Finkle Street, Murray Road and under the hub.

Walkabout entertainers such as Ironman, teenage mutant ninja turtles, Hagrid, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Batman and Disney princesses, all posed for photos with children and there was a magician and puppet show.

An umbrella parade, led by a steel band, set off from the Workington Leisure Centre at 4.30pm and paraded into town.

Fairground rides on Murray Road were also a big hit with families.

Adrian McGreavy, from The Mawbray Cheese Company, said it had been a good day and he had nearly sold out at 2pm. Andrew Barton, from Get Fizzed prosecco van, was keeping shoppers warm by supplying mulled wine. He was selling out quickly and was in a perfect position being under the hub.

One of the Christmas market stalls was Beads n Beeswax, run by mother and daughter team Carolyn Wright and Sarah Nolan, from Egremont. Carolyn, said: “We love coming to Workington, we always do well with our handmade candles and jewellery and Workington people are nice people.”

Other stalls included gifts, food, face painting and bauble making. Janice Longstaff, from Lowca, was here with daughter Sammy Longstaff and granddaughter four-yearold Isabella Reynolds, from Mirehouse and grandson Theo Dawson, seven, from Lowca. They were having a great time making Christmas baubles, were looking forward to going to see Santa and said they appreciated that these type of events are put on.

Five-year-old Lucy Vevers with there with brother Robbie, seven, and parents Carla and Chris Vevers, from Seaton, Lucy was delighted to meet her favourite princess, Cinderella and both children were hoping to see Santa later. 

Another superheroes fan was five-year-old Blake, there with mother Helen McVay and boyfriend Marc Blewitt, from Workington. He had enjoyed meeting Chewbacca, but particularly loved meeting Batman as he is one of his heroes.