Christmas switch-on celebrations get off to a sparkling start with illuminated parade

A confetti cannon was one of the attractions at Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

which kicked off with songs and comedy from the cast of the Little Theatre pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Other entertainment included stalls, a Santa's grotto, festive songs from Sheringham Primary School infant choir, real-life alpacas and reindeer and music from the Salvation Army Band.

Six-year-old Benny Pitcher on stage with his dad Kevin at Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Six-year-old East Runton youngster Benny Pitcher, whose brave battle against brain cancer has touched the hearts of people all over the area, switched on the lights to the delight of the crowd, who lit up their phones and held them aloft to show their support.

Town mayor Madeleine Ashcroft said: "In spite of some very wet weather, we had a good turn-out. It is a super community event and I think it's wonderful the way everybody chips in and gets involved."

Sheringham Primary School infant choir on stage at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Primary School infant choir on stage at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Nine-year-old Jonny sporting a festive hat at Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Little Theatre panto cast members entertaining youngsters and their families at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Little Theatre panto cast members entertaining youngsters and their families at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Primary School infant choir on stage at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Six-year-old Benny Pitcher on stage with his dad Kevin at Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Primary School music teacher Jon Cooper on stage with infant choir members at the town's Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Townsfolk hold their phones aloft to show support for six-year-old Benny Pitcher, who has an inoperable brain tumour.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Christmas lights switch-on celebrationsPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Nine-year-old Jonny and his sister Ivy on their illuminated scooters.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)