Maryport's Christmas Lights will be switched on this Saturday.

Two children from each school in Maryport and Flimby will help Mayor Peter Kendall and Santa Claus to turn on the lights at 5pm (November 19). 

This is the climax of an afternoon which will include entertainment from infant school, Elleborough Academy, Maryport Academy and Netherhall School's rock Band.

Singers Casy Sewell and Ellie Rowley will entertain.

The ever-popular Santa's Grotto will be open.

This year, because of its popularity, Maryport Town Council has sold tickets in advance. Each ticket has been given a time in orderto stop the huge queues that form even before Santa arrives.

The popularity of the grotto is in no small part due to the bag of gifts the children receive which is usually far in excess of the ticket rice.

There will also be fairground rides and charity stalls - the latter in the Labour club.

Free tea coffee and orange juice is available and the Golden Lion Hotel has once again donated mince pies and mulled wine, which will also be free.

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