Thousands turn out for Christmas lights in Carlisle

Carlisle Christmas lights get the X-Factor

Jamie Archer
Jamie Archer on stage before Carlisle Christmas lights switch on Photo: ITV Border

Thousands of people turned up in Carlisle city centre to watch four hours of entertainment before the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm on Sunday, November 18th.

It started with a community parade themed on the Twelve Days of Christmas that was held for the first time.

There were a number of local acts on stage before X-Factor finalist from 2009, Jamie "AFRO" Archer took to the stage.

Crowds in Carlisle
Thousands of people watched the lights switch-on Credit: ITV Border
Santa on stage
Santa was joined on stage by four Olympic torch carriers Credit: ITV Border

Jamie performed six songs in a half-hour set before he was joined on stage by four Olympic torch bearers from Cumbria.

Father Christmas led the crowds in a 10 second count down before the lights were officially lit.

Carlisle Christmas lights
Carlisle Christmas lights switch on Credit: ITV Border