The Christmas lights have been set up in Ambleside ahead of the upcoming festive season.

Although Halloween is right around the corner, the team at Ambleside Christmas Lights were up early on Monday morning to put the decorations in place.

This was done ahead of the group's festive lights switch on event, which is due to take place on Saturday, November 18.

Natalie Prickett, a member of the group, said: "Our focus is creating a magical day for both the local community and tourists to enjoy - children and adults alike - and has been ongoing for over 20 years.

"Thousands of visitors attend the event from all areas of the country – and we have even had visitors come from abroad in the past!"

The Westmorland Gazette: The team were up early on Monday to start the workThe team were up early on Monday to start the work (Image: Ambleside Christmas Lights)

Ambleside Christmas Lights is a not for profit community event that is organised and run by local volunteers.

On the day of the event, two Christmas cruises on Lake Windermere will be ran alongside the switch-on, with tickets for that selling out in under 48 hours.

Ms Prickett explained: "Families will get the chance to meet and receive a gift from Santa and his helpers.

"There's also a family fun zone in the grounds of Ambleside Primary School dedicated to fundraising and creating awareness of other community and charity organisations." 

The Westmorland Gazette: The event itself will be hosted on November 18The event itself will be hosted on November 18 (Image: Ambleside Christmas Lights)

A small selection of stalls selling a variety of things around the village and live music at the Market Cross from a local choir and a local live singer are set to make the event one to remember.

"The highlight of the day is the lantern procession, where Santa leads the procession followed by The Snow Queen, Jack Frost and The Lantern Princess

"Jack Frost and The Lantern Princess will be played by children from the local schools."

This year there will also be music for The Kookaburra Drummers of Staveley, winged dancers, a stilt-walking Gingerbread Man and lantern bearers. 

The event is entirely funded by donations from local businesses, collections on the day and fundraising events carried out throughout the year.

"Without these donations it simply wouldn't go ahead."