The festive season has got off to a cracking start in Holt, which has become the first Norfolk market town to celebrate its Christmas lights switch-on in 2019.

North Norfolk News: Father Christmas was at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerFather Christmas was at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

Thousands of people flocked to the High Street to take part in games, listen to musicians, marvel at fireworks and breathe in a dose of good old Christmas cheer.

The 'pantomime horse race' - which has become an event highlight - was won by a pair dressed as a camel from department store Bakers and Larners.

Entertainer Olly Day and presenter Helen McDermott kept the laughter coming thick and fast, and the Ukelele Elves, the Parallel dance group, a band and a community choir all performed.

Benjamin 'Benny' Pitcher, a six-year-old East Runton boy who has an inoperable brain tumour,got to switch on the lights.

North Norfolk News: The Ukelele Elves at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerThe Ukelele Elves at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

Mundesley has its switch-on on November 24. Sheringham and Alysham follow on November 29, and then Cromer and North Walsham on November 30.

*Special thanks to Alan Raymond Palmer for permission to use his photos of the event.

North Norfolk News: One of the contestants in the panto horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerOne of the contestants in the panto horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Thousands of people were at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerThousands of people were at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Bright costumes were everywhere at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerBright costumes were everywhere at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Teams get ready for the pantomime horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerTeams get ready for the pantomime horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Hosts Olly Day and Helen McDermott with the winner of the pantomime horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. The winning 'camel' represented Bakers and Larners. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerHosts Olly Day and Helen McDermott with the winner of the pantomime horse race at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. The winning 'camel' represented Bakers and Larners. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: The Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019 attracted thousands of people. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerThe Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019 attracted thousands of people. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Singers at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerSingers at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Fireworks at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerFireworks at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Fireworks at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerFireworks at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk News: Benny Pitcher, who has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, got to turn on the lights at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond PalmerBenny Pitcher, who has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, got to turn on the lights at the Holt Christmas Lights switch-on 2019. Picture: Alan Raymond Palmer (Image: Archant)