Residents of Maryport took to Main Street droves on Saturday to witness the town light-up and indulge in homemade festive delights.

The town council organised the whole affair, dishing out tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Councillors, Billy Pegram and Angela Kendall worked tirelessly to ensure the crowds were refreshed.

“We’ve done this for years” said Mrs. Kendall, “We’ve been here longer than Santa.” Mrs. Kendall spoke of the impact the event has on young people, “It’s nice seeing the little ones that still believe.”

Faces were painted in the town hall by Disney princess lookalikes, always a big attraction and this year was no exception.

Maryport Labour Club was transformed into Santa’s Grotto, littered with gifts all the way from Lapland. The children, after receiving their gift, took pictures with Peter Kendall in the guise of Saint Nicholas.

A raffle was also held in the Labour Club, offering a variety of prizes. Tickets were sold in aid of The British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and festive music was played in the pub all day.

The Buyers Club made a triumphant return from a brief lay-off with one of their biggest gigs to date. Scott Peel, lead guitarist said: “I came all the way from university in Durham, it’s good to be back.” Frontman Conor Greaney said: “It’s a good return to the hometown.”

Their local fans were also pleased to see them back as a ripple of support ran through the audience as they were introduced. Their take on the work of Arctic Monkeys and The Wombats warmed up the crowd along with Peter Ceuto’s traditional mulled wine and mince pie run.

Susan McCallig clutched one of Mr. Cueto’s mulled wine winter warmers and reminisced about a previous light switch-on. Mrs. McCallig recalled a cannon shooting artificial snow on main street.

Dan Storey a.k.a Ray Presto of BJ Entertainment made his own return to the area. “I often do light switch-ons but I haven’t done the Maryport one in two years.” The magician performed tricks and made balloon animals to the delight of the young attendees.

Students of Dearham Primary School performed a gymnastics display on the main stage and the crowds were charmed by two junior choirs, Maryport Amateur & Operatic Dramatic Society and Maryport Church of England Junior School.

Twelve lucky members of the junior school were selected to help Santa turn on the lights when the big moment came. Peter Kendall, on stage before the switch-on called it “The best ever Maryport lights switch-on”. After shedding the beard, Mr. Kendall called it a job well done, “You just need a dozen people who give their time, you don’t need lot’s of money.”