Last updated at 13:56, Friday, 21 December 2012

An afternoon of festive events will be held in Workington on Sunday.

Crackers at Christmas has been organised by Maryport Festivals Limited and funded by Allerdale council.

Running from noon to 4pm, there will be crafts, face painting, hair-braiding and refreshments in the former Autonomy shop next to Costa, and fairground rides nearby.

A Christmas tree will be placed under The Hub for people to put decorations on in memory of loved ones who have died and those who cannot come home for Christmas, such as soldiers serving overseas.

Veterans from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association West Cumberland branch will be on hand to help people put up their tributes.

Whitehaven singer Cindy Hoten will kick off the entertainment at midday and bring the celebrations to a close from 3pm.

The winners of the town’s shop window dressing competition will be presented with their prizes at 1.45pm.

Churches Together in Workington will sing carols at 2pm.

All the activities are free and everyone going to the shop will be given a raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning prizes donated by businesses on Washington Square.

Sue Sandham, of Maryport Festivals Limited, said: “People can come and the children can enjoy the crafts and face painting but people don’t need to spend money.

“It’s more about community spirit and trying to get the meaning of Christmas back.”

First published at 12:21, Friday, 21 December 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk