THOUSANDS of people wrapped up warm to see the Christmas season get under way in Barrow.

Crowds gathered outside The Forum at the town square for the illuminating event.

There were also fairground rides, as well as a Santa’s Grotto and performers to help kids and adults alike get into the Christmas spirit.

Beth Hogan, a performer who also organised the main event, said: “We had volunteers from Barrow District Disability Association for our Santa’s Grotto which gave out free gifts to 400 children.

"We couldn’t have run the event without the help of our team, volunteers and donations from local businesses. It was such a fantastic local community event run for the locals by the locals and never fails to bring the community together.”

In-keeping with this local emphasis, several Barrovians were chosen to do the honours on Saturday evening – with Owen James Dennison, Charlie Michael Ross and Christopher Brown the three chosen by the public.

Ceri Thomas, a 35-year-old police officer who has been living in Barrow for eight years, believes 'the event is growing every year.'

“It’s great for the kids – there are loads of free entertainment options," she said.

"It’s at a good time too in terms of the kids and work. I’ve just finished a shift here and headed straight to the town centre.”

Lindsey Lawson, 35, a bereavement manager at St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, who was waiting for the clock to strike quarter past six with her partner and children, said: “November is a great time for this kind of event since December gets very busy for everyone and it gets much harder to find time.

“I think Barrow BID does so much for the town with things like this. It’s really important to get out to local shops and I’ll be trying to do as much of my Christmas shopping in Barrow town centre as I can.”

Donna Taylor, 47, who has been running a food and drink kiosk at the switch-on for 30 years, and was also at the Askam lights switch-on, said: "The event has only got bigger and better down the years - it’s great for the town."