FESTIVE cheer filled the streets of Barrow as swarms of excited children and their families gathered for the town's annual Christmas lights switch on.

The falling temperature did nothing to stop the festivities as many donned their winter woollies, Santa hats and flashing headbands as they awaited the official beginning of the Christmas countdown.

Hundreds packed out Town Square for the annual event which began at around 3pm and saw a number of familiar faces take to the stage.

The community event was opened in style by 17-year-old Mollie Harper, the winner of the big switch on talent show, which had taken place earlier that morning in Barrow market, judged by mayor Tony Callister.

Other local acts included Tiffany Southward as Taylor Swift, who was almost out-sung by the crowd when she performed Ms Swift's hit single Look What You Made Me Do .

Inspirational Aimee and Emily will switch on Barrow Christmas Lights

Beth Horan battled with a sore throat to wow the crowds and Walney's Cora May Brennan sang pop numbers by Rita Ora and Bruno Mars, before offering up a rendition of Christmas classic, Santa Baby .

Louis Kelly, Chris Campbell, Abbie Clarke, Yvonne Patterson, Shine Theatre Company and South Lakes Rock School Choir all played their part in producing a stellar show for the crowd.

This year's panto cast also made a special appearance with everyone's favourite character Buttons, taking centre stage to gee up the audience before Cinderella showed off her vocal skills by singing Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You .

The big lights switch on came at 6pm when the stars of show, Emily Mather, four, and Aimee Robinson, 12, were invited on stage and asked to do the honours.

VIDEO: Barrow Christmas light switch on 2017 highlights

After the big moment, former Liberty X singer and winner of The Voice Kevin Simm was welcomed on the stage to help Barrow celebrate the official countdown to Christmas.

He belted out numbers by Adele as well as showcasing his talents singing a few of his own tracks.

By 6.30pm the crowd was beginning to thin with many walking home through the festively lit streets of Barrow.