Musicians, puppeteers, street performers and a parade of decorated umbrellas came together to make Workington Christmas Festival a festive spectacle today.

Hundreds of people gathered in the town centre for the day-long event, which also featured stalls on Murray Road and Finkle Street and a craft fair in the Carnegie Theatre.

Riding for the Disabled brought a pony for the crowds to admire, and Workington RNLI was among the charities at the event raising money.

Julie Bater was among the Niscu Primary Puppets team which performed outside The Entertainer, telling the biblical story of Christmas.

She said: "This is the highlight of our year because we love to come into the community and be part of the celebrations, celebrating, we believe, the true meaning of Christmas and Jesus' gift of love to us.

"I think the event is brilliant. It draws people together and it's such a lovely atmosphere.

"It's helping to spread a bit of hope and goodwill to people."

Entertainment was provided on the main stage at the corner of Murray Road and Finkle Street, in The Hub and around The Coastline near Laura Ashley, with street entertainers walking around the town centre.

Around 5.15pm, a host of people paraded from The Coastline to the main stage, carrying umbrellas they had decorated.

The parade was followed by songs on the main stage by Abba Forever, before Mayor of Workington Joan Wright took to the stage.

After a countdown, Coun Wright pressed the button to switch on the town's lights, helped by mayoress Denise Roper, 10-year-old Grace Watson, who won the mayor's Christmas card competition, and runner up Olivia Bell, nine.

Coun Wright said: "The day has been very successful. There have been plenty of crowds. Everybody seems to have enjoyed themselves.

"It's a very important day for the town and the shopkeepers. I hope everybody has a very happy and successful Christmas and all the best for 2017."