MORE than 5,000 people braved the cold weather to watch Barrow's Christmas lights be switched on.

Thousands of people crowded in front of The Bay's Live Stage in Town Square as the festive extravaganza got underway. 

Taking to the stage were an array of pop acts and family entertainment along with local acts and performers. 

Opening the show were local boyband Threefold followed by Yorkshire singer Chris Atkinson.

Also making an appearance in front of an eager crowd was Britain's Got Talent star Henry Gallagher who performed his hit song "Lightning".

Former Stereo Kicks singers Tom Mann and Barclay Beales were a big hit with crowd as they sang their version of Mr Brightside by the Killers. 

Barclay, said: "It was amazing, really great fun. Barrow is a great crowd but it is always like that up north, people actually cheer here. Everybody loves Christmas and it is a bit of unity after everything that has happened over the last few weeks."

Barrow Mayor Ann Thomson was joined on stage by characters from Marvellous Events and members of Jack and the Beanstalk panto as she did the honors of switching on this year's Barrow Christmas lights. 

In addition to all the live music, Taylor's Amusements were on site with funfair rides for all the family to enjoy.

Rounding off the day's entertainment was girl group Stooshe who got the crowd in the Christmas spirit with their rendition of All I Want For Christmas.