BARROW BID is preparing a Christmas extravaganza for shoppers in the town centre.

The group, tasked with encouraging people to the visit the town centre, have a number of events planned over the festive period.

The Christmas events start on December 1 with the first round of schools and community groups performing as part of the Christmas Choir Competition.

Pupils from three primary schools will be performing at The Forum as they aim to be crowned Christmas Choir Competition champions.

On December 7 shoppers in the town centre will be treated to performances from the Salvation Army Band from 11am and Jenni White will be singing on Portland Walk from 1pm.

The Ulverston Town Band will be playing traditional Christmas songs on December 8 from 11am until 1pm.

On Friday, December 14, Lakes Magicians will be performing in Wilkos, Debenhams and Marks and Spencers throughout the day.

The three magicians will be entertaining shoppers with their combination of comedy and sleight of hand magic. Their performances will take place between 2pm and 4pm.

Barrow Town centre will be full of street entertainment on Saturday December 15, with performances from The Salvation Army Band, Jenni White and the cast of The Forum’s Snow White Pantomime Cast.

Astral Circus will also be performing street entertainment throughout the day and the BDDA Centre are be hosting their own Christmas Grotto from 10am.

On the weekend before Christmas, last minute shoppers will be entertained by a variety of acts including; Billy Hogan, Jenni White, The Bread & Butter Theatre Company and many more.

Colin Garnett, BID manager, said: “We understand shopping in the town centre is not as convenient as out of town retail centres. Shoppers don’t tend to choose to come to the town centre for the shopping offer. So we are offering entertainment in an addition.

“We’ve teamed up with Barrow Market and The Forum to showcase quality festive entertainment.”