Thousands of people have enjoyed watching Gorleston town centre turn into a winter wonderland.

On Sunday night the town held its Chrismas lights switch-on event, which also featured fireworks.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A large crowd gathered for the lights switch-onA large crowd gathered for the lights switch-on (Image: Kevin Huggins)

There were cheers as Father Christmas arrived on his giant sleigh and the large crowd joined in the countdown for the festive illuminations to be turned on.

The switch-on and fireworks display were the culmination of three days of festive fun in the town as a Christmas market had been held in Priory Gardens on Friday and Saturday.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Children enjoy fairground rides in GorlestonChildren enjoy fairground rides in Gorleston (Image: Kevin Huggins)

The market had then spilled out onto the High Street on Sunday, with children also enjoying fairground rides.

Kevin Huggins, chairman of the Gorleston Traders Association, said between 6,000 and 7,000 people attended Sunday's switch-on.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Father Christmas arrives in GorlestonFather Christmas arrives in Gorleston (Image: Kevin Huggins)

He said: "The people of Gorleston never fail to disappoint in supporting this event."

The festive event was organsied by the borough council and was sponsored by Visit Great Yarmouth.

The event came as the long-running town centre roadworks ended at the weekend.