More than 5,000 people celebrated the spirit of Christmas in Gorleston.

The town celebrated its Christmas light switch-on event on Sunday, which saw between six and seven thousand people line the High Street for a chance to see Santa Claus and a fireworks extravaganza.

Great Yarmouth borough mayor Penny Carpenter was joined by Heart 2 Heart's Jayne Biggs and cast members from Gorleston Pavilion's pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: People gathered on the High Street, as seen from the top of the Palace Cinema. Picture - GTAPeople gathered on the High Street, as seen from the top of the Palace Cinema. Picture - GTA (Image: GTA)Kevin Huggins, the chair of Gorleston Traders' Association, said Gorleston's lights switch-on event was "always extra special".

"It was a great show and people looked to be enjoying themselves throughout the afternoon and evening," said Mr Huggins.

"It always feels special seeing in Christmastime in Gorleston and our light switch-on seems to be more and more popular each year. It was a delight to see."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The weather kept clear during the Christmas light switch-on in Gorleston. Picture - GTAThe weather kept clear during the Christmas light switch-on in Gorleston. Picture - GTA (Image: GTA)The event culminated with a ten-minute fireworks display by UK Fireworks from the top of the Palace Cinema. 

The event received funding from Visit Great Yarmouth/GYTABIA and was organised by Michaela Smith-Moore and Ruth Cockerill from Great Yarmouth Borough Council's events team.

Great Yarmouth's three-day Christmas spectacular will start at 10am on Friday, November 24, in the town centre.