North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on

Festive thousands packed North Walsham Market Place last night to see the town lit up for Christmas.

This year's display included lights in the churchyard trees for the first time, and a giant train above Broadland Travel, on Market Place,, made by students from Great Yarmouth College.

During the afternoon visitors were entertained from the Market Cross by North Walsham High School bands Excuses, and Into The Crowd, plus children from the Manor Road schools' choir.

Joseph Ballard and Paige Miller, from Arts North Norfolk, paraded in costume to drum up trade for Pinocchio And The Pirates, which can be seen at the town's Atrium theatre from December 19-23.

Market Place was packed with a record 39 stalls and fairground rides, and Santa was kept busy in his grotto.

North Norfolk Radio took over in the build-up to the switch-on by North Walsham High School sports star Lauren Hemp who has played football for England's U15s team.

A lantern parade preceded the flicking of the switch which was followed by a flurry of artifical snow and carols around the Market Cross led by Salvation Army musicians.

'The people of North Walsham did us proud and turned up in their droves. It was heaving, despite the weather,' said David Turner who now steps down as chairman of the town's Christmas lights committee after five years.

Visitors to St Nicholas's Church during the afternoon enjoyed craft activities, music and refreshments.