BARROW’S stars are set to shine during a Christmas Lights Switch On with a difference this Sunday, November 29.
The annual event regularly attracts around 4,000 people to Barrow town centre for the official start to the festive season.
While the event will be held virtually this year, organisers are hoping residents will make it the most watched ever as they urge everyone to enjoy the festivities and entertainment online.
The Christmas lights switch on will go live on Barrow Borough Council’s YouTube channel at 5pm on Sunday – featuring a stellar line up of artists and performers from across the area.
The official switch on of the town centre illuminations by competition winners will also be shown.
Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, thanked the dedicated volunteers who had worked so hard to ensure the event could go ahead as always, albeit in a different format for 2020.
“The Christmas lights switch on is always a favourite in Barrow,” she said.
“While we can’t attend in person this year as we normally would, I would like to thank everyone involved in making sure we can all enjoy the event from our own homes.
“So much hard work has gone into creating this virtual switch on, it would be amazing for it to have a bigger audience than ever before.”
Barrow’s Christmas Lights Switch On has been organised by volunteers Denis and Beth Horan since 2016 with additional help from a wide range of people across the borough.
This year, the couple were determined to keep the tradition going and opted to organise, curate and film a never-before-tried virtual show.
To join in the fun, people simply need to head to Barrow Borough Council’s YouTube channel where it will play automatically at 5pm on Sunday. A direct link will also be posted on social media.
Beth Horan said: “The great thing about the switch on this year is that it features the fantastic array of talent we are lucky to have in the area and will be shown online so that more people can watch it than ever before.
“I’m grateful to the wonderful team who have worked tirelessly in tough conditions to put this virtual switch on together, the performers and backstage crew especially.
“Thanks also to our sponsors BAE Systems and Barrow BID, The Forum and Barrow Borough Council.
“It’s been a difficult year for so many people and we can’t wait to see the back of it. Hopefully this event will kickstart some much needed happiness and cheer.”
The event can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWgH17XXqrU&feature=youtu.be
