The festive season got off to a great start in Cockermouth on Sunday as thousands turned out for the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Sounds of Christmas music and excited children added to the atmosphere as crowds filled Main Street to see Cockermouth Mayor Julie Laidlow switch on this year’s lights, helped by Hope Smith and William Moore from All Saints School, Ingrid Beckett and Ashton Garbett from Fairfield School, Mary Graham and Peyton Millican from St Joseph’s School, Lily Clifford - winner of the mayor’s Christmas card design competition and Marc Delaney, Jayden Shaw, Oscar Pollock and Sophie Ann Sweeney.

Councillor Laidlow said: “Everyone has had a great day, it has gone far beyond our expectations, the snowglobe and reindeer have been very popular. I think there has been a lot more for children this year. The town has really benefitted today and the weather has been kind.”

The Town council organised the event, which included a fun fair, trampolining, walk-in snowglobe, craft stalls, live reindeer, music from Cockermouth Mechanics band, Luke Matear and Mojo Rising, dancing from Mandy’s Divas and entertainment from Stagecoach Theatre Group, with scenes from Peter Pan and their fabulous choir which delighted the crowd with Abba songs.

Characters Anna and Elsa were walking through the town meeting people, much to the delight of four-year-old Maddie Walters, from Aspatria, who said they were both her favourite princesses.

Andrew Barton, owner of the prosecco van Get Fizzed said the day had gone well and people were keen to try the candy cane gin liqueur with prosecco, known as festive fizz.

Mince pies and mulled wine were proving popular on the Cockermouth Round Table stall andChurches together were busy doing a variety of activities to entertain the little ones, such as face painting, biscuit decorating and star making.