Last updated at 12:22, Monday, 19 November 2012

Maryport's annual Christmas Festival is set to be the biggest yet this year after the introduction of new initiatives.

The event will include:

closure of the whole of Senhouse Street for the first time

fairground rides for the length of Senhouse Street and an outdoor stage

five days of free parking in council car parks.

The festival will be launched on Sunday, November 25, with the Christmas lights switch-on.

The launch event will begin at 1pm. A lantern parade will start at 3.30pm and the lights will be switched on at 4.30pm from the outdoor stage.

All of Senhouse Street from Curzon Street to High Street will be closed, with fairground rides right down the road.

An outdoor stage has been planned for the first time for school choirs, children from the youth wing of the Maryport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and youth festival stars Swift and Emily.

Free tea and coffee, paid for by the town council, will be served at Annabelle’s Tea Room, and free mulled wine and mince pies from the Golden Lion will be given at the town hall from 3pm.

Three venues have been chosen for the festival.

The town hall and council chambers will be used for children’s activities.

The Labour Club will have 12 business and charity stalls selling Christmas goods.

Gill Elliott’s community shop, next to the Fireplace Centre, will be turned into Santa’s grotto.

Maryport Town Council has taken the lead in organising this year’s festival.

Town clerk Lisa Douglas, said she had been helped by Maryport Festival’s Debra Park and by traders.

Mrs Douglas thanked Cockermouth transport operator Eric Nicholson who donated a lorry to be used as a stage.

First published at 11:55, Friday, 16 November 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk