A Very Workington Christmas: Shopping, Community & Local Magic

There’s something unmistakably special about Christmas in Workington, and this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On proved exactly why. Despite it raining like cats and dogs, our community came out in full force on Saturday, 29th November, to celebrate the ‘official’ start of the festive season together!

Starting at 11am, the day was chockablock with fun activities and festive shopping, before culminating with the big switch on and a performance from Liberty X after 5pm. It was a celebration of everything that makes this time of year special: local businesses, family-friendly entertainment, live music, great food and community spirit.

Local Stalls, Independent Shops & Festive Shopping

One of the standout features of this year’s event was just how many independent traders and community groups took part. The town centre was lined with stalls selling gifts, crafts, seasonal treats and handmade decorations, giving families the perfect excuse to browse and pick up something special.

Our local businesses showed up in style, too. From long-standing independents to new shops on the high street, the day was a reminder of just how much choice and character Workington has to offer. Christmas in our town has always been about more than shopping, but supporting local businesses is a huge part of what keeps our community thriving. This year was no exception.

Even when the rain came down, people kept wandering between stalls, umbrellas up, chatting, laughing and enjoying the build-up to the evening.

A Full Day of Fun for Everyone

Workington’s Christmas Lights Switch On is always designed to be a day for everyone.

For those with little ones, the Carnegie was a hit throughout the afternoon. Inside, parents and kids snapped selfies around the giant snow globe, while those wanting to get a feel for what Santa’s Christmas journey looks like queued up to take part in the VR sleigh ride.

Those with a sweet tooth found their home at the Gingerbread Workshops, where they could unleash their inner biscuit decorator and baker. You can never have enough Christmas decorations, so Crafty Kidz West Cumbria led hands-on activities for children to make their own. Then, add in face painting from Gray’s Arts and Katy Leese, plus funfair rides from Wilmot’s Amusements, and you can see why the kids of Workington had a festive day to remember!

And for the adults? The Theatre Royal was a favourite, with a chocolate tombola, mulled wine (with delicious mince pies) and a chance to meet some of the Theatre’s actors all on offer!

Showcasing Local Talent on the Main Stage

Music is always at the heart of Workington’s festive celebrations, and this year’s line-up brought together a brilliant mix of home-grown performers and local favourites.

Throughout the day, crowds gathered by the Main Stage, managed by Rock With, to enjoy live sets from:

• Paul Nicholson

• Laura Bailey

• Palo Alto

• Electric Circus

• Annie Jackson-Elliott

• Razzmataz Theatre Group

• The Window View
  

Whether people stopped for the full set or listened while browsing the stalls, the constant stream of live music was a lovely addition to the day and the town centre.

Liberty X Light Up Workington

At 5pm, the town centre gathered for the main moment of the day: the Christmas lights switch on! As the countdown finished, Workington lit up for the holiday season, with not even the rainy weather able to put a dampener on the festive feeling throughout the crowd.

Straight after the switch on, Liberty X took to the stage for their headline performance. Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young delivered a set packed with their biggest hits, including “Just A Little” and other well-known favourites from a back catalogue that has sold over one million albums worldwide!

Why Events Like This Matter

As Councillor Ellie Wood shared ahead of the event: 

“Our Christmas Festival & Lights Switch On is one of the highlights of the year… It’s about more than just lights and festivities; it’s about investing in the spirit of our town and ensuring that everyone feels part of something special.”

Days like these are a reminder that Workington is full of people who care about their community, who show up for one another and who take pride in the town. Rain or not, you all came out to celebrate. That resilience, warmth and togetherness is something we see reflected across our events every year - from the Festival of Running in June to the Party in the Park in August, we always know the people of Workington will show up for each other.

That’s why we invest in days like these. They shape how our community feels, and they’re part of what makes Workington the town it is.

A Big Thank You

We couldn’t deliver this event without the support of our partners and sponsors. A huge thank you to:

• Milburns Solicitors, serving our community with expert support in family law, wills and probate and conveyancing.

• Washington Square Shopping Centre, a much-loved part of Workington with a fantastic mix of high street and local businesses.

• Rock With, putting together a fantastic group of performers and keeping live music very much alive.

We’re grateful to every community group, performer, volunteer, trader and team member who contributed to the day. And of course, thank you to everyone who came out, whether you popped by for half an hour or stayed for the full day.

The Festive Season Continues

The Christmas Lights Switch On is only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we encourage everyone to keep supporting our local shops, cafes and businesses, enjoy the festive displays and take time to explore what our town has to offer!