Bad weather has forced changes to today's Christmas lights switch on event in Keswick but the town mayor Paul Titley says the evening will still go with a bang.

The BBC will broadcast parts of tonight's switch-on live on Children in Need.

Live music and entertainment was due to be performed in the Market Square until 9.30pm, following the 6.55pm switch on.
This has now been cut short to 7pm.

A planned lantern parade has been postponed to a later date.

The switch on will be preceded by a parade by some of the winners of this year's Scruffs dog show, which is due to be shown on Look North.

It comes after the town was praised for its dog friendliness.

Entertainment is taking place in Packhorse Court throughout the day, including a 12-hour singathon relay with local choirs, which began at 9.30am.

Food stalls are in the Market Square throughout the day.

Car parking in Allerdale council car parks is free but donations will be collected for Children in Need.

Councillor Titley said: "It's no surprise that Keswick's weather pulls a fast one. Hopefully we have outwitted it pretty sharply.

"Bad weather is news down south but it's not news up here.

"Put your wellies on, put your waterproof coat on and come and have fun."

During the evening, pupils from St Herbert's Primary School and Keswick School will be at Rawnsley Hall and link up with others across the country for a synchronised performance of The Climb by Miley Cyrus, which will be broadcast live across the BBC.

This will not be open to the public.