THIS weekend will see the return of the biggest show in town - and this year is set to be more special than ever before.

The streets of Barrow will be lit up with festive cheer on Saturday night as the community rallies together to save its Christmas lights switch-on.

This time-honoured event faced the chop this year after council bosses announced they didn't have the funding to support the event, but an inspirational group of volunteers stepped up to the mark to deliver a night to remember for the people of Barrow.

Local entertainer and one of the organisers of the event, Denis Horan, co-owner of Ultimate Events, thinks it is a party not to be missed.

He said: "This year is a very special switch-on as it is brought about in unique circumstances, run entirely by local people and tailored for local people.

"We're showcasing local talent and nurturing budding stars of the future.

"It is all going to be an upbeat party atmosphere to bring home the true meaning of Christmas, but one highlight will be watching our young Barrovian superstar Taylor Smith turn on the lights with Georgia Stanway."

This year's event boasts a strong line-up of some of the area's greatest community acts who will entertain crowds from 3pm.

However the fun and games will kick off much earlier as entertainers display their skills in an open talent competition that will take place at the entrance to the market, near Portland Walk, at noon.

Visitors can then head over to The Forum where they will be able to peruse a wide range of arts and crafts that will be on display between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Barrow businesses have banded together to make the event a reality, with huge thanks going to this year's main sponsors, Associated British Ports and Larkins Engineering, who have been supported by volunteer partners such as Barrow Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, Cando FM, Radio Lonsdale, The Bay and the North-West Evening Mail.

Doug Walters, owner of New Tricks in Barrow Indoor Market, will also be handing out 2,500 programmes during the event, while more than 500 light-up wands have been donated for children by the firms and individuals across the town.

As the dark winter night is transformed by a touch of seasonal sparkle, Mr Horan is hoping that people will come in their droves to mark this spectacular community event.

He said: "This event is being run not for any profit or self gain but entirely by a dedicated team of local people who wanted to ensure that Barrow didn't miss out on the magical start to the festive season.

"Please do come down and support it; it hasn't cost the Barrow taxpayer a penny and we would like to thank those who donated and our sponsors for their much appreciated assistance."

Schedule

THIS year's line-up includes a star-studded cast of celebrated local performers.

Talented people from across the area jumped at the opportunity to do something special for their town.

The running order for the event is as follows:

3pm – Welcome

3.05pm – Paris Corkill

3.15pm – Megan Doherty

3.25pm – Spotlight Dance

3.30pm – Abbie Clarke

3.40pm – Chris Barker

3.50pm – Spotlight Dance

3.55pm – Kev Thompson

4.10pm – Cora May Brennan

4.25pm – Marvellous Events

4.40pm – Tiffany Southward

4.55pm – Beth Horan

5.10pm – Mystical Experience (Denis Horan and Chris Campbell)

5.40pm – Build-up with mayor, sponsors and guests

5.45pm – Switch-on

6pm – South Lakes Rock School

6.20pm – Christmas party songs

Parking

VISITORS to this year's event will be able to park in the town centre without running up a massive bill.

Barrow's Business Improvement District has agreed a concession for people coming to the event.

From noon onwards, people can park in Barrow Borough Council car parks across town for just £1.30.

Motorists will then be issued with a ticket that will allow them to park until 6pm and into the night to enjoy the festivities with ease.

There are a number of different council-owned car parks around the town, all of which are offering a day's parking for the price of just one hour.

However, people can also park for free further out of town in residential streets off Abbey Road and some streets in the centre of town offer free parking for up to an hour.

Public transport will also be running to people from across south Cumbria can come by bus or train to enjoy the show.

Facilities

BARROW'S Christmas lights switch-on is set to be the perfect day out for all the family, but what do you do when nature calls unexpectedly?

Never fear - The Forum is here. An arts and crafts event will be running all afternoon and visitors can pop in to use the toilets if they or their little ones are caught short.

While out and about enjoying the festive fun, families can also complete the day with a meal out at one of the town's restaurants - but make sure you book as tables will be snapped up quickly.