The Christmas lights switch-on event in Wigton is guaranteed to bring in crowds from all across the county year on year.

With famous singers, dancers and performers travelling from across the country the event was always guaranteed to get people in the Christmas spirit.

However, this year the Christmas lights switch-on event will not take place with the town council putting safety first.

Thousands typically attend the Wigton Christmas lights event and with the threat of Covid-19 still looming, the town council voted unanimously, earlier this year, to cancel the annual event.

The decision was made to put safety first as it is uncertain when the pandemic will be over.

Clerk to the town council Alison Dodd said at the time of the cancellation: “We can get a couple of thousand people at our lights switch-on.”

The town council is postponing the switch-on celebrations to next year.

She said: “Due to lockdown we never really got anything off the ground. We would just like to hope that we’ll be doing it bigger and better next year.

“All our lights and Christmas trees will still be up. We are going to hopefully have some more events next year.”

Chairwoman of the council, Elaine Lynch is disappointed there won't be an event this year but is looking forward to next year's.

She said: "Unfortunately, we are not going to have our usual Christmas Lights Switch-on event which is always very popular but the lights will still be on in Wigton. We are hoping to have them on a bit longer to bring some much needed festive cheer to the people of Wigton in these very difficult times. We will bounce back next year and look to have a switch on that is bigger and better than ever."

The town council plans to display decorations earlier than usual with lights and Christmas trees likely to be up in Wigton from mid to late November.

Sandra Keaveney, chief executive of North Allerdale Development Trust is often organised in the running of the event and has a stall during the day.

She said: "The Christmas Lights event is always a highlight of the events diary of Wigton and will be greatly missed this year. Our lovely little town will sparkle under the lights as people safely do their Christmas shopping in our businesses as they need the support of the community more than ever.

"2020 has been a difficult and challenging year for many and now I hope more than anything people will be able to spend the festive period safely with their loved ones and hopefully we will see the return of events across the board during 2021."

The decision was made to save the money from the event that was due to take place this year and add it to next year’s funds.