The countdown to Christmas begins in Great Yarmouth with the lights switch on.

Celebrate the arrival of Santa with the mayor and Michelin Star celebrity chef Galton Blackiston for an evening of live music and entertainment on Friday, November 24.

Live music and entertainment starts at 5.30pm on The Beach stage with the Christmas lights and fireworks countdown taking place at 7pm.

Town Centre shops and the Christmas Fayre will remain open until 8pm

Great Yarmouth’s real ice rink is also now open and ready for skaters to have fun on.

The rink is being sponsored by the Town Centre Partnership, Market Gates, Proserv, Palmers, Norse and the Great Yarmouth Mercury, and media partner The Beach and runs until January 2.

Tickets can be booked online or the onsite ticket office.

Prices for a 45-minute session and ice skate hire are: £10 per adult, £7.50 per child aged four to 16, and £30 for a family ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children).

However, a special discount has been introduced enabling adults who present their Resident Advantage Card to save £1 on the ticket price, Mondays to Fridays before 3pm, until Tuesday, December 19.

Cards are not available from the on-site booking office.

In addition, a Skate Yarmouth Loyalty Card will be available, enabling anyone who skates four times to have a fifth session completely free. Get your card at the skate exchange when the rink opens. Discount prices are available for groups and schools.