As we approach the time of year where it is common to see Christmas lights switch on events throughout the county, it makes us think about the experience we had at similar events in the past.

For this reason, we decided it would be a good idea to take a look through our extensive photograph archives, and see what this event looked like way back when, in 2015.

Christmas lights actually started out just as candles.

These candles were attached to the tree using wax or pins.

The practice began in Germany during the 17th century and over the next 200 or so years; it became an established practice in Germany and began to spread out into other countries of Eastern Europe.

Nowadays, thanks in full to contemporary health and safety, and common sense, we have diverted ever so slightly to using electronic lights instead of almost burning the house down.

These Christmas traditions are shared with a village, town, and city, too.

Christmas Lights Switch On events happen all across the country, and bring the streets some much needed light and Christmas cheer.

These Christmas lights are often also used as an accompaniment for a much more anticipated Christmas market.

This year, Whitehaven Christmas Market will welcome stallholders to King Street this Saturday (November 27).

A range of bakers, cakes and makers will be among the highlights in the maritime town, with local produce and crafts aplenty.

There will also be free parking for both stallholders and market visitors at a selection of Copeland Council car parks during the day.

The event is being heralded as a great opportunity for shoppers to make the most of Whitehaven’s thriving retail centre, including independent boutiques, high street names and a true local high street stalwart in Dixon’s Department Store, which has been family owned since 1882.

It also paves the way for a second Christmas market in Whitehaven in St Nicholas Gardens on the following Friday.