There was a portly man in a big, red suit, carousels and caramelised nuts, children singing carols underneath the Clock Tower and warm drinks cupped in hands against the winter chill.

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of visitors were drawn to the annual lights switch-on event in North Walsham's town centre on Saturday, November 25.

Blur drummer and Knapton resident Dave Rowntree did the honours by switching on the lights and judging a Christmas window competition.

David Spencer from Walsham Community Events said a dedicated team of about a dozen volunteers had spent the past seven Sundays putting up the lights around the town centre.

Mr Spencer said the switch-on was always a highlight of the year that showed North Walsham at its best.

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

He said: 'It gets the town out on a festive day, and everyone's enjoying themselves. It's a great community event.'

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: George the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart AndersonGeorge the Pup and Jenna Inglis from Victory Swim and Fitness Centre were among visitors to the North Walsham Christmas lights switch-on festival. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)