Barrow will be stepping into Christmas this weekend as it hosts its eagerly awaited lights switch on.

The annual festive extravaganza once again features a fine array of pop acts and family entertainment, with local performers joining some highly-regarded visiting names for the show on Saturday November 21.

The headliners for the night are BRIT Award-nominated girl band Stooshe, who will be appearing on The Bay's Live Stage in Town Square, following the lights switch on at 5.30pm.

Also on the bill are former Stereo Kicks lads Tom Mann and Barclay Beales, Britain’s Got Talent alumni Henry Gallagher and Bailey McConnell, Yorkshire youngster Chris Atkinson, and Jack Morlen - formerly of pop group Everyoung.

Representing our regions local talent are rising stars Threefold and Ben Lewis.

In addition to the packed schedule of live music, Taylor’s Amusements will be on site with funfair rides for all the family to enjoy, while Barrow Wood Turners and Carvers will be demonstrating their craft in the indoor market.

The ever-popular Marvellous Events kids characters will also be part of the event, bringing along princesses and snowmen to enjoy the festivities.

Ann Taylforth, Festivals Manager for Barrow Borough Council said: “The Lights Switch On in Barrow really heralds the start of Christmas in the borough.

“We hope lots of people will come out for it and have a really enjoyable evening.”

Headliners Stooshe are sure to receive a warm welcome from the audience, as this marks one of their first gigs since the group took a break after the release of their top 10, debut album London with the Lights On, in 2013.

The album spawned a string of top 10 singles for the group including Black Heart, which peaked at number 3 in the charts, has over 9 million hits on Youtube, and had the dubious yet memorable honour of being sung by Gail Platt in an episode of Coronation Street.

The event is the first of four Christmas light switch-ons in the Barrow borough, with Lindal-in-Furness having theirs on November 27; Dalton-in-Furness on November 29 and Askham’s on December 13.

The Barrow Christmas Lights Switch on takes place Saturday 21st November in the Town Square.

The show starts from around 3.45pm, with lights on at 5.30pm and acts ending by 6pm.

ROAD CLOSURES PARKING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From 4pm until 6.30pm, Duke Street will be closed from Cornwallis to Schneider Street. 

Taxi ranks and bus stops will be operating as normal.

All council owned car parks will also be open as normal during the event.

Short stay car parks will charge £3 for three hours, whilst the long stay car parks will be £3 for four hours.