BARROW is to experience a spectacular festive party to get the town into the Christmas spirit.

The Barrow Christmas Lights Switch-On - starring Kevin Simm, the winner of The Voice 2016, and a host of local talent - is taking place in Town Square on Saturday November 18.

The free festivities get under way from 3pm and run until 6.30pm at the switch-on being run by Barrow-based Ultimate Events UK along with a group of volunteers.

The day is a celebration supported by the local community. The local acts taking to the stage include artists Beth Horan, Denis Horan, Cora May Brennan, Tiffany Southward as Taylor Swift, Louis Kelly, Chris Campbell, Abbie Clarke, Yvonne Patterson, Shine Theatre Company, South Lakes Rock School Choir and the Cinderella panto cast. The headline act, chart-topping sensation Simm, was part of Brit winning pop group, Liberty X.

The organisers are also hosting a talent competition - Search for a Xmas Star - where the winning acts from the heats (see details below) will be invited to perform on stage to open the switch-on Christmas party.

The lights will be switched on by a local nominated person, who is to be announced next week.

The Bay and Cando FM will be broadcasting from the event. A variety of gifts and sweets will be handed out to children in the crowd on the day.

Funds raised will benefit local charities and organisations, including Barrow Community Kitchen and Barrow Foodbank.

A free programme will also be handed out which will include information about resources that are available to those in need during the Christmas period.

The main stage sponsor is Orsted (the new name for Dong Energy) and the company has said it is proud and privileged to be involved in this great local community event.

International Nuclear Services, which has been part of the Barrow community for more than 40 years, and Barrow Bid are also both proudly sponsoring the event.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On encompasses all four of the Bid’s key objectives: a Better Barrow, a Busier Barrow, Boosting Barrow and especially a Brighter Barrow.

Beth Horan, from the organising team, said: "This is very much a Christmas party for the town, it's upbeat and fun. There is a great mix of entertainment from our local acts, and having the brilliant Kevin Simm performing will add that extra sparkle to the event.

"We are very grateful for all the offers of help we have received this year and to everyone that has put in time, effort and money to make sure this event still takes place for the community. It is a real team effort and we are proud to be able to bring this free event to the town."


Christmas talent competition - your chance to grace the switch-on stage

TALENTED entertainers are being given the chance to grace the Barrow Christmas Lights Switch-On stage. Calling all singers, musicians, dancers, magicians and jugglers - the organisers are once again hosting a talent competition, Search for a Xmas Star, and the winners will get to perform at the Switch-On party.

The contest will be run over two heats and is open to all age groups.

The first heat is on Saturday November 11 in The Forum. The event runs from after 11am, following the Armistice Day two minute-silence, and until 2pm.

The second heat is on Saturday November 18 and runs from 11am until 2pm. The winner from each heat will get to perform on the big stage in front of the town to open up the event.