Border Entertainment News

The dress rehearsal for the annual 'Strictly Cabaret' fundraiser in Dumfries is taking place.

The dancing event is now in its 8th year and has raised almost £225,000 for 19 different charities.

The hugely popular fundraiser was created by Michael and Patsy Pattie, who lost their 13-year-old son David to meningitis 12 years ago.

They have been raising money ever since.

Around 300 tickets have been sold for the dress rehearsal, with the main shows being held over Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are available from Patties, 109 Queensberry Street, Dumfries.

• UK
• Strictly Cabaret
• Dumfries

Panto fever is building in Cumbria, as Aladdin opens at the Sands Centre in Carlisle this Friday, and Cinderella opens at North Lakes School in Penrith on Monday.

However, the the young performers are feeling a bit apprehensive about appearing on stage, so the professionals have been brought in to boost their confidence.

Kim Ingles has the full report:

• UK
• pantomime
• Cumbria

Panto fever is building in Cumbria, as Aladdin opens at the Sands Centre in Carlisle this Friday and Cinderella opens at North Lakes School in Penrith on Monday.

• UK
• Carlisle
• Penrith

X Factor finalist James Arthur thrilled hundreds of fans as he returned home to Teesside in style for his homecoming show.

The 24-year-old visited the local pub in Saltburn where he sang while struggling to make it, before going to Middlesbrough to prepare for his gig at 8pm tonight, December 4.

Watch his extended interview here:

Get more on James Arthur on the ITV Tyne Tees website.

You can also get the latest on the X Factor here.

• Entertainment
• X Factor
• James Arthur

Visitors to Workington this weekend will be treated to a host of activities and attractions, as this year's festive celebrations begin.

The activities kick off on Friday lunchtime (16th November), with the opening of the three day Christmas market.

Former X-Factor star Marcus Collins will then join the Mayor of Allerdale to switch on the Christmas lights at 6pm.

Over the weekend children will be entertained by magicians, clowns, face painters and balloon modellers, and they can visit Santa and his elves in his log cabin.

A live stage showcasing local talent and professional acts will be on display over the weekend.

'Santa' will be showcasing the Rugby League World Cup on his open top bus, at various locations across Workington, as part of the countdown to the matches at Derwent Park in 2013.

• UK
• Derwent Park
• Rugby League World Cup

The countdown to Carlisle's annual Christmas lights switch-on has begun.

The stage will be in place outside the Old Town Hall on Sunday 18th November, with entertainment kicking off at 2pm, followed by a variety of acts performing throughout the afternoon, before the switch-on at 6pm.

The event is free and programme highlights include:

• 2pm - 2.30pm: Twelve Days of Christmas Community Parade
• 2.30pm - 3.10pm: Christmas Crackers and Bruce Airhead
• 3.10pm - 4.10pm: Local Acts moment to shine
• 4.10pm - 4.25pm: Christmas Crackers

• 4.25pm- 5pm: Local Acts moment to shine
• 5pm - 5.30pm - Bruce Airhead Christmas Show
• 5.30pm - 6pm: Jamie AFRO Archer
• 6pm: Christmas Lights Switch On

“Preparations are well underway for this weekend’s Christmas Lights Switch On event. There’s a packed programme of free, family-friendly entertainment. Come along and join in the fun!”

• UK
• Carlisle
• Christmas lights

The Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre in Dumfries turned 25 today and is celebrating with a week of special events. Tonight movie goers are urged to channel their inner Bond and dress up for a special screening of Skyfall. Black Narcissus and Stand by Me are also on the birthday programme.

• UK
• Dumfries
• Cinema

More than 35,000 people are expected to attend Carlisle's Fireshow tonight in Bitts Park.

The established community event has been running for 25 years and this year's theme is the Great British Bonfire. Spectacular fireworks will also feature.

• UK
• Carlisle