This week we look back on a fabulous festive celebration held in one Allerdale town in 2019.

Residents of Seaton enjoyed this amazing Christmas Light switch on event that was great fun for both the children and their parents.

Although a little on the frosty side, it was perfect conditions for characters Princesses Anna and Elsa and Olaf to come out and greet people at the Seaton Christmas lights switch on.

Santa even borrowed a horse to pull his sleigh to the event on Sunday after riding through the village.

The Friends of Seaton Academy had a stall outside Seaton library where they were selling hot chocolate cones, wildlife friendly reindeer food, bags of sweets and Christmas cards. There were also two games of guess where in Cumbria Santa is and how many Haribos were in the jar.

While busy inside the library Kayla's of Cumbria had children queuing for their faces to be painted with everything from unicorns to Minnie Mouse.

Children from Seaton Academy Choir sang to the crowds, then it was Theatre Stars Academy's turn to take to the stage and entertain by singing and poetry.

There was a count down and, ably helped by some children from the crowd, Santa and the children pulled the switch, and lit up the twenty five foot Christmas tree, donated by Iggesund, outside the main shops and switched the villages lights on, signalling the start of the season.

This was the last time such an event was held since the pandemic began, as the 2020 event was cancelled in the interest of public safety.

However, this year the neighbouring town of Workington did welcome back a similar celebration but safety surrounding Covid 19 was taken into account.

Let's hope that we will see a return to these amazing community events that have helped make our area great for so long.