Thousands of people wrapped up warm to enjoy the spectacle of the Christmas lights switch-on in Gorleston.

With entertainment, stalls and fairground rides running from noon, independent traders who organised Sunday’s festive event ensured there was plenty to see and do in the run-up to the official switch-on.

The lights were switched on by local musician Neil Francis before the night was topped off with a dazzling fireworks display.

Kevin Huggins, vice chairman of Gorleston Traders Association, said: “It was a fantastic day probably the best lights switch-on we’ve had.

“The high street was heaving with people throughout the day lots of people turned up to the Santa’s grotto and the other bits going on around the town.

“We had to cope with several rain showers throughout the day but everyone seemed very happy and the day turned out to be a complete success.”

Mr Huggins also said that he was delighted with the mix of attractions with the event expanding into Priory Gardens and the library for the first time.

As well as music and entertainment hosted by Harbour Radio with bands playing throughout the day on the main stage there will also be two climbing facilities, sea cadets and dance displays in the library.

There was also the chance to master the slippery skill of ice skating at the Priory Gardens, which also had a snow machine to add to the authenticity of a winter wonderland.