AN array of exciting activities and events are set to take place at The Forum as part of a community Christmas extravaganza ahead of this year’s Barrow Christmas lights switch on.
The special event – which will showcase what a #BrilliantBarrow Town Centre Community Hub could offer in the future – will be held from 10am – 2pm Saturday 19th November and will consist of Christmas craft workshops, live music, food and retail stalls and a Christmas grotto as well as wellbeing support and business and enterprise advice.
It will be immediately followed by the switching on of Barrow’s Christmas lights display in the Town Square from 3-6pm, which will feature a packed line up of local talent and entertainment.
Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council and a member of the #BrilliantBarrow board, said: “We want to showcase the types of activities that could be on offer at the Town Centre Community Hub which will be located at The Forum.
“It’s an exciting project that aims to draw the community together and we feel that this is the perfect time to show how it could work going forward.
“Not only will it be a fun day out, there will be valuable support for people who are thinking about opening their own business, advice for people who are worried about their energy bills and mental health and wellbeing support.
“It’s so nice to be able to host a community Christmas event throughout the day, ahead of the Christmas light switch on in the evening. We hope to see lots of people attend what is sure to be a brilliant day out for everyone.”
The Christmas Extravaganza – to be held on the upper floor of The Forum – will feature a wide variety of activities such as:
– Christmas shopping
– Wine tasting
– Toys throughout the ages
– MIND mental health support
– Thai food cooking demonstration
– Business support for new enterprises
– Energy and finance support
– CANDO FM music
– Craft activities
Fun Family Christmas craft activities provided by BarrowFull will also be provided as well as a big screen featuring Barrow Christmas scenes throughout the ages.
Barrow Market will host a Christmas grotto with a Christmas sleigh photo opportunity for children provided by Family Action and the outdoor market will have live music and food stalls.
The Christmas light switch on is organised by Beth and Denis Horan of Ultimate Events with the assistance of staff from The Forum and an army of helpers across the area. The Switch on Star, a local inspirational person selected via a public vote, will have the honour of turning on the Christmas lights. The light switch on will take place at 5.45pm, following an afternoon of live entertainment, featuring performances from the Cinderella Pantomime cast, Caitlin McIntosh from the Walney Musical Theatre Company performing as Ariel, Father Christmas, Boom Dang, Beth Horan and Take Off That (Take That tribute band). More acts are to be announced.
Beth Horan said: “There’s always a fantastic atmosphere at the switching on of the Christmas lights and thousands of residents and families turn out to enjoy the festivities and entertainment.
“Work to organise the event started some months ago and the final preparations are now underway. We’ve got a wonderful line up of performers again this year ready to entertain everyone and we’re all looking forward to the event itself.”
