Stunning new images from the 42nd annual Thursford Christmas Spectacular have been released showing the 130-strong cast in full swing. With a budget of £1.8m, the show features lavish costumes made from over 1.5 million rhinestones, 100 meters of feathers and 2,000 pom-poms.

North Norfolk News: Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas SpectacularThursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Image: Archant)

Returning to the tiny village between Fakenham and Holt from November 6, the festive stalwart is set to entertain over 112,000 visitors from across the country and the globe.

John Cushing, founder, director and producer of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, said: 'This year's show is set to be our most ambitious to date with performers from across the world and our biggest ever dance troupe.

'I can't wait for the audiences to start filling our auditorium and experiencing all the festive treats we have lined up. I've been putting this show on for more than four decades and every year I'm blown away by the talent we see on that stage.'

From rock 'n' roll to showtunes; the Can Can to carols, this Vegas-style variety show boasts 65 musical numbers, a troupe of dancers who have performed in the West End and on Broadway and show-stopping choreography.

North Norfolk News: Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas SpectacularThursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Image: Thursford Christmas Spectacular)

For the first time Vanessa Alvarez, a seventh generation circus performer who recently performed on London's South Bank at the world-renowned Underbelly Festival, will take to the Thursford stage. She joins popular Norfolk comedian Paul Eastwood who returns to compere the evening.

One of Thursford's most prized possessions, The Mighty Wurlitzer with its 1339 pipes, one of the largest remaining Wurlitzers in Europe, will entertain throughout the evening.

From its humble beginnings, with its first show on Christmas Eve, 1977, The Thursford Christmas Spectacular has become one of the most popular festive shows in Europe.

This year's troupe will once again comprise of outstanding professional dancers, all having high-kicked and tap-danced their way past 480 auditionees for the 22 spots on the chorus line.

North Norfolk News: Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas SpectacularThursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Image: Thursford Christmas Spectacular)

Each year the family-run Thursford Collection serves up 35,000 mince pies, almost 19,000 mulled wines, and 24,000 tubs of ice cream.

This year Thursford's sound systems have had a huge overhaul and been upgraded to a state of the art audio system which will completely revolutionise the audience experience.

North Norfolk News: Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas SpectacularThursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Image: Thursford Christmas Spectacular)

North Norfolk News: Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas SpectacularThursford Christmas Spectacular 2018. Photo: Thursford Christmas Spectacular (Image: Thursford Christmas Spectacular)