Penrith Town Council has awarded a £5,000 grant to Penrith Business Improvement District (BID) through its Signature Events Grants Scheme to support the delivery of Penrith Sparkle 2026, the town’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On event.
Penrith Sparkle is a much-loved, free community celebration marking the start of the festive season in Penrith. The Council is pleased to continue its support for this popular town-centre event, which brings together residents, visitors, local businesses and community groups for a day of festive celebrations.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 21 November, from 3pm to 7pm, with an illuminated community parade, live music and performances by local entertainers. Families can also enjoy rides, craft activities, face painting and a visit to Santa, alongside food and drink and the opportunity to explore Penrith’s shops and businesses.
New for 2026 is ‘Switch on the Crowd’, with visitors encouraged to bring something that lights up and join in at 6pm, helping to illuminate the crowd as part of the celebrations.
Cllr Scott Jackson, Vice Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Communities Committee, said:
“I’m looking forward to seeing Penrith lit up for Christmas and joining everyone for this year’s celebrations. It is a particularly exciting occasion for families and our younger residents, and we are delighted to support Penrith Sparkle with this £5,000 grant.
“I would like to thank Penrith BID for its work in delivering signature events that bring our community together, attract visitors and support local businesses for the benefit of the town.
“The Christmas lights already look wonderful around the town, and they will look even better when they are illuminated on the 21st. Penrith Sparkle is a lovely opportunity to enjoy them with family and friends, explore what our town has to offer and celebrate the start of the festive season. I hope to see many of you there.”
Darren Broad, Chair of the Penrith Business Improvement District, said:
“I’m proud that Penrith BID has delivered another wonderful Christmas lights display for the town. A huge thank you goes to the local businesses whose funding has made it possible.
“We are also grateful to Penrith Town Council for its £5,000 grant towards Penrith Sparkle. This support helps us bring the community together for a festive celebration and showcase our local businesses.
“It’s great to see what we can achieve by working together. I hope everyone will come into town, enjoy the lights and celebrations, and support our local shops and businesses this Christmas.”
The Penrith Christmas Sparkle event will take place on Saturnday the 21st November. With an even starting at 3pm through to the 6pm switchon of the towns Christmas lights.
The afternoons events will include a parade and there's still time to join in the parade! Booking open until 12pm on sunday 14th November - Book your place HERE
Timings on the Main Stage in the town center:
3pm - Bishops Yard School of Dance
3.15pm - Anna Sax Music
4pm - ACT Youth Theatre
4.15pm - Fell Brass
5pm - Lit up parade
6pm - Switch on - Come with something you can light up!
Followed by Absolutely
7pm - Home time
A range of rides and food will be on offere in Devonshire street and Great Dockray and Santa will be at the Band Stand on Cornmarket.
Devonshire street - Rides and Savoury stalls
Market Square - Main Stage
Great Dockray - Rides & Sweet Treats
Cornmarket - Santa & Facepainting
Alongside the town council £5,000 the Leo Group have again stepped in the main sponsor of the Penrith 2026 sparkle along with other partners and sponsors supporting the BiD including Road Safe, Dodd & Co, Penrith Chamber of Trade & Commerce.
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