THOUSANDS gathered in Workington Town Centre to see the lights get switched on and welcome Christmas into the town.

Despite changes having to be made to the day due to bad weather, the even has been hailed as a great success by all who attended.

Families enjoyed a whole host of high quality entertainment, including a fun fair, magic shows, face painting, gingerbread workshops, soft play, puppet shows, science booth workshops, pet encounter, walkabout characters and the popular giant snow globe.

A visit to Santa’s grotto at the old Vision Express store  helped many families to get little ones ready for a great Christmas.

Throughout the day, there was also a selection of live acts, managed by HMV Workington, who performed a series of songs to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

A spokesman for Workington Town Council said: "Thank you Workington! There is nothing we love more than when we all come together as a community.

"Thank you to all our volunteers, staff, performers, stalls, suppliers and everyone else who made it possible ,even with last minute changes.

"Amazing photos as always by Tom Kay Photographic

"We hope you enjoy the Christmas lights."

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At 5pm, the festival was brought to a close with the light switch on by the Mayor and her Christmas card competition winners- as thousands gathered throughout the town centre to marvel at this years lights.

Workington Mayor Denise Rollo said: "After the last minute changes due to the predicted bad weather it was great to see so many people out and about, there’s nothing that can dampen the Workington Christmas spirit and it was an absolute delight to see Workington Town Centre buzzing again.

"It was great to see families out having fun and enjoying all the free activities throughout the day. The light switch on was magical and a big well done to my Christmas Card winners who were all very excited and did a fantastic job of lighting up Workington."

READ MORE: Light and sound festival to return to Workington Hall and Parklands