Last updated 19:25, Thursday, 20 November 2008

WORKINGTON will be awash with sound and colour this weekend when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Bill Bacon, Mayor of Workington, will turn on the festive lights in the town centre at 4pm on Sunday.

Coun Bacon will be joined by Victoria Junior School pupil Courtney Birkett, 10, who produced the picture chosen for this year’s mayoral Christmas card.

There will be a full day of music and entertainment during the Times & Star hosted event.

It will kick off with Swede Dreamz, an Abba tribute band, followed by Seaton actor Billy Walker, who is starring in this year’s pantomime at The Sands Centre, Carlisle.

Dearham Brass Band, local school choirs and church choristers will perform Christmas carols from 3pm.

Also attending will be performers from this summer’s Times & Star Red Raw Talent Show, including overall winner Caroline Fisher, of Workington.

Late-night shopping in the town started yesterday with stores staying open until 7pm every Thursday.

There will also be free parking every Thursday from 12noon, and no charges will be placed on parking from 12noon until 5pm on Sunday, except the multi-storey car park.

Meanwhile, festive music performed by local amateur groups will provide a soundtrack to Christmas shopping at the Hub.

The music will play on an hour-long loop during the festive season, starting on Sunday.

Dave Camlin, SoundWave creative director, said: “It will help to make Workington town centre a really festive place.”

The Hub will also host two concerts next month to help get shoppers into the Christmas spirit.

On December 13 there will be a performance of traditional Christmas music by local young people, and on the evening of December 18 vocal group Mouthful will perform alongside local community choir Sing Owt.