Cumberland is gearing up for a festive extravaganza, packed with events to boost local businesses.

The lead-up to Christmas is being used to promote the local area and support businesses with a host of activities set to charm residents and visitors.

Cumberland Council and town councils are lining up events to showcase the shops and traders within the area.

Kicking off on November 17, Keswick is set to host their annual Christmas lights switch-on event.

Whitehaven hosts their light switch-on the next day on November 18.

Carlisle and Cockermouth join the festive spectacle on November 19 with their respective lights switch-ons.

Further events include late-night shopping in Cockermouth on November 23 and the Christmas Festival and Light Switch-On in Workington Town Centre on November 25.

Egremont Winter Wonderland Christmas Fayre takes place from November 25-26.

Throughout the festive season, a number of diverse events are planned across the Cumberland area.

This includes a Farmers’ Market at Carlisle Cathedral on December 2, a Victorian Fayre in Keswick on December 3, and the Whitehaven Christmas Fair alongside a Harbour Lights Show and Christmas Fireworks Display on December 8.

Also marked on the calendar is the Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on December 9 and 10, and the Carlisle Christmas Market taking place in the city centre from December 1 to 17.

Additionally, late-night shopping will take place in Carlisle every Thursday between November 30 and December 21.

To encourage attendance at these events, Cumberland Council is offering free parking at various car parks on select dates.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “The Cumberland area has lots planned on the build-up to Christmas and we encourage local residents and visitors to support the many events planned over the weeks running up to the festivities.

“We also encourage people to shop local and support local businesses.

“We are offering free parking on some key dates, and we hope this serves as an incentive to make a visit to local towns and our city.”

For a full list of events planned for the Cumberland area, visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk

Free parking:

Workington Multi Storey car park - all day free parking during opening hours on November 25.

Egremont Chapel Street car park - all day free parking on November 25 and 26.

Bitts Park; Lowther Street; Castle; Caldew Riverside; The Sands; Swifts Bank; Viaduct; Civic Centre and West Walls car parks free parking after 3pm on the following dates: November 30, December 7, December 14 and December 21.