Crisp clear weather, bright lights and Santa Claus brought an early Christmas to Maryport on Saturday.

Families turned out in their hundreds for the Maryport Town Council annual Christmas festival.

There was live music, activities and rides for children, free face painting and, of course, a visit to Santa's grotto.

The queue to visit the grotto was huge but worth the wait. Admission was £3 but for that children was given a selection of gifts worth a lot more than the entry fee.

There was free mulled wine and mince pies compliments of the Golden Lion Hotel and tea, coffee and hot chocolate from the town council.

Entertainment came from Ellenborough and Ewanrigg Infants, Maryport Junior School, the Ewanrigg Choir, Netherhall Angels and Spotlight and the Flimby band all adding to the festive atmosphere.

Jason the Jester was thee and warmed the street a little with his fire juggling.

Throughout the day characters from Imagination Parties mixed with the children and entertained onstage.

The Ewanrigg Choir held a second impromptu concert in the Golden Lion accompanied by Alex Clarke on his piano accordian.

Maryport Round Table also brought Santa's sleigh to town.

Workington MP Sue Hayman switched on the lights, with the help of Ben Bland and Lana Stephenson of Dearham Primary, Veronica Koscusko and Lexi Wilkinson from Ewanrigg Juniors, Aisha Galletly and Freddie Garden from Grasslot Infants, Isla Best and Freddie Garden from Netherton Infants and Abigail Smith and Zac Norman from Maryport Infants.