BARROW’S virtual Christmas lights switch event has attracted nearly 10,000 views since going online.

The community’s traditional annual event regularly attracts more than 4000 people to the town centre every year.

%image('12102420', type='article-full', caption='CELEBRATE: The Barrow Christmas virtual light on show 2020', alt='CELEBRATE: The Barrow Christmas virtual light on show 2020')

The 2020 switch event was replaced by a virtual Christmas lights show filmed in advance and shown on Barrow Borough Council’s YouTube channel

The number of views has more than doubled the regular number of attendees, with 9,300 views from locations all over the world.

%image('12102421', type='article-full', caption='CRIER: Russ Palmer opening the show ', alt='CRIER: Russ Palmer opening the show ')

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, thanked all those involved in organising the film which showcased a raft of talent from across the area.

She said: “So much time and hard work went into creating this film so we wouldn’t miss out on a Christmas lights switch on this year.

%image('12102422', type='article-full', caption='HOST: Pete Murphy and Denis Horan of the Forum hosting the virtual show ', alt='HOST: Pete Murphy and Denis Horan of the Forum hosting the virtual show ')

“My thanks go to everyone involved in putting it together and also to those who took part. It was simply superb.

“We may have been physically apart this year, but this film certainly brought us together as a community once more. What a fantastic way to spread some festive cheer.”

The 90-minute show went live online at 5pm on Sunday, November 29.

%image('12102423', type='article-full', caption='LIGHT UP: Barrow 2020 Christmas Switch event attracts 9000 views online', alt='LIGHT UP: Barrow 2020 Christmas Switch event attracts 9000 views online')

The video was organised by volunteers Denis and Beth Horan of Ultimate Events, with the assistance of staff from The Forum.

The team were supported by an army of helpers across the area.

The film featured a stellar line up of performers and entertainers, carols and songs from school children and messages from a range of people and organisations.

It culminated with the official switch on of the town centre illuminations by the competition winners.

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Beth Horan said: “It certainly took a lot of work to create the show but we are overwhelmed that so many people have enjoyed it.

“We knew that it wouldn’t be safe for the Christmas lights switch on to go ahead in the usual way, with so many people standing together, but we didn’t want everyone to miss out on such a wonderful community event.

%image('12102425', type='article-full', caption='HIT IT: Zach McBryde hitting the switch to turn on Barrow's lights ', alt='HIT IT: Zach McBryde hitting the switch to turn on Barrow's lights ')

“We’re thrilled it was such a success and hope it delivered some much-needed sparkle and cheer after we’ve all had such a difficult year.

“Our thanks again go to everyone who helped make this happen and also to our sponsors BAE Systems and Barrow BID, The Forum and Barrow Borough Council.”

The event can be viewed online on the Council’s YouTube page.