Whitehaven Christmas lights switch-on event spreads festive cheer

Deputy Mayor of Whitehaven, Chris Hayes was joined by musician Logan Paul Murphy and two cheeky elves from the Bread and Butter Theatre Company to switch on the lights in Whitehaven Market Place on Saturday.

Edward, 4, enjoys the teacups in Whitehaven Market Place (Image: Submitted)

The glittering event included performances from Logan Paul Murphy (The Beatles Boy) and Lee Adams on the Greatest Hits Radio stage, along with Razzamataz West Cumbria, Whitehaven Theatre of Youth and Rosehill Youth Theatre.

Taylor’s Fun Fair provided fair rides on the harbour and in the Market Place and the Bread and Butter Theatre Company kept the crowds entertained throughout the day.

Chris Hayes, deputy mayor of Whitehaven, switched on the town's Christmas lights (Image: Submitted)

The event was organised by Whitehaven Town council.

Also taking place for the first time on Saturday was Eat Street Cumbria, organised by Aaron Groggins of Lakeland Life C.I.C, which offered mouth-watering street food, live music, and top-notch entertainment.

Children enjoyed meeting Santa at The Solway Hall (Image: Submitted)

TEGretail also held its popular market on King Street and Santa’s Grotto delighted children at The Solway Hall.

Chris Hayes, deputy mayor of Whitehaven, who urged people to ‘shop local’ this Christmas before switching on the lights, said: “That’s what it’s all about.

Two elves from the Bread and Butter Theatre Company entertained the crowds (Image: Submitted)

“It was a great day. The place was heaving. I’ve never seen Whitehaven as busy. The two local acts were superb. Lee got the crowd going and Logan got them really wound up - it was great. Chris Felton from the Greatest Hits Radio team was brilliant. It was brilliant.”

Marlene Jewell, Whitehaven Town Council clerk, said: “It was fantastic. Everyone seemed really happy and they had a good time. The local artistes went down very well.

Logan Paul Murphy performed on the Greatest Hits Radio stage in Whitehaven Market Place (Image: Submitted)

“It was a really good day. We are looking forward to our Christmas market and fireworks display now.”

Gerard Richardson MBE, who owns Richard’s of Whitehaven, said: “Whitehaven hasn’t been as alive as this since the Maritime Festivals, with people seeming to be on every street.

Evelyn ready to meet Santa at the Solway Hall (Image: Submitted)

“It was a kind of accident that three events ended up being held together but what a tonic for the town, and from my personal perspective, with trade being massively up on the day, were delighted.

“Well done to the town council, Ted Markets and to Aaron Groggins for his tremendous first event result.

Siblings Amelia and Oliver having fun on the teacups with cousin Holly (Image: Submitted)

“Roll on the Christmas market and the fireworks because Whitehaven needs more good days like this.”

Whitehaven was 'alive' with people who turned out to enjoy the Christmas events on Saturday (Image: Submitted)