BARROW's festive season will kick start this Sunday.

The stars are set to shine during the Christmas Lights Switch On ceremony with a difference.

The annual event regularly attracts around 4,000 people to Barrow town centre for the official start to the festive season.

With this year's virtual event organisers are hoping residents will make it the most watched ever as they urge everyone to enjoy the festivities and entertainment online.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, thanked the dedicated volunteers who had worked so hard to ensure the event could go ahead as always, albeit in a different format for 2020.

Cllr Thompson said: “The Christmas lights switch on is always a favourite in Barrow.

“While we can’t attend in person this year as we normally would, I would like to thank everyone involved in making sure we can all enjoy the event from our own homes.

“So much hard work has gone into the virtual switch on, it would be amazing for it to have a bigger audience than ever before.”

The Christmas lights switch on will go live on Barrow Borough Council’s YouTube channel at 5pm on Sunday.

Barrow’s Switch On has been organised by Denis and Beth Horan.

Beth Horan said: “The great thing about the switch on this year is that it features the fantastic array of talent we are lucky to have in the area and will be shown online so that more people can watch it than ever before.

“I’m grateful to the wonderful team who have worked tirelessly in tough conditions to put this virtual switch on together, the performers and backstage crew especially.

“Thanks also to our sponsor BAE Systems, The Forum and Barrow Borough Council.

“It’s been a difficult year for so many people and we can’t wait to see the back of it. Hopefully this event will kickstart some much needed happiness and cheer.”

Barrow's Switch on can be found on Youtube.