The Christmas Illuminations, which are reputedly one of the best displays in England, run from the last week in November through to the 5th January. They are organised by the Cockermouth Town Council.

There is a party atmosphere in the Main Street on light switch-on day, with a family afternoon of entertainment, kiddies rides, dancers, stalls and culminating with the lights switch on at 17.00.

The 2007 lights switch on day was sunday 18th November, with events starting at 2.15pm.

The Mayor Sam Standage, with Mayoress Hilary Standage and children from local schools, switched the lights on. Children from All Saints School, Billy Bowman, Kris Katchit and BBC Radio Cumbria’s Joe Costin entertained the crowd during the day on the main stage. There were prayers for Christmas followed by carols with the Mechanics Band and the Churches Together in Cockermouth Choir.