IT is officially Christmas in Ulverston as the town gathered for their annual lights switch-on this weekend.

Residents and visitors packed in to the centre as the Dickensian Festival was in full flow, to watch the event take place.

Ulverston Business Improvement District purchased the new lights, which span the town centre streets, in partnership with the town council.

The largest showpieces can be seen in New Market Street and County Square, and the Christmas tree, which was bought by the Ulverston Traders Association, can be seen in Market Street.

Town mayor, Councillor Mark Wilson, said: “The old Christmas lights had seen long service but were no longer in a fit state to use so we appealed to the BID to light up Ulverston this Christmas.

“This trading period is so important for the town’s businesses and Ulverston now has its best display for years, to create a wonderfully cheerful welcome for local people and visitors.”