An east coast Christmas event that saw thousands of people attend will not be returning this year.

But planners have announced their intention to bring Caister Wonderland back in 2024 bigger and better.

The event, which took place on the King George V Playing Field in Caister last month, saw over two thousand people attend to celebrate the festive season with a variety of food and drink, family activities and a visit from reindeer.

The event culminated with the village's Christmas light switch-on.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: There were wreath-making workshops at Caister Wonderland 2022.There were wreath-making workshops at Caister Wonderland 2022. (Image: Submitted)

Organiser Karina Green said she and other organisers decided to miss this year to spend time planning the next event scheduled in 2024.

She said: "We are a team of three and we feel that works best along with our merry band of Caister’s Little Elf-ers which we hope to grow for the 2024 event."

Ms Green added that she and another organiser both have young children and delaying the next Wonderland event would make the event's logistics more manageable.

"The family element is what really brought the event together and despite the Great British weather’s best efforts, the little touches were still noticed," Ms Green added.

"The event will remain free to attend and again, we will endeavour to offer free and reduced cost activities which will be made possible by local business sponsors."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Richard and Julia Spears from the Norfolk Beer Engine were pulling pints at Caister Wonderland.Richard and Julia Spears from the Norfolk Beer Engine were pulling pints at Caister Wonderland. (Image: James Weeds)

Before last year's event, calls had been made to cancel the reindeer due to concerns about the animal's welfare.

Fearing the distress the reindeer may feel being around large crowds of people, an online petition had reached over 1,600 signatures by the start of the Caister Wonderland event.

The reindeer were at the event for three hours only, which is the recommended allotted time for such animals to be involved in events with large groups of people.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Reindeer at Caister Wonderland 2022.Reindeer at Caister Wonderland 2022. (Image: Kevin Wood)

One visitor who saw the reindeer said: "They are gorgeous. They looked very happy and content, absolutely beautiful.

Another visitor commented: "Two very chilled-out reindeer. One of them came to suss me out as though I had food but just sniffed and walked away and chilled again. Lovely animals."

For more information, visit the Caister Wonderland page on Facebook.