Billed as the “biggest and best” Ipswich Christmas Lights Switch-on, around 7000 people – an Ipswich record – were in and around The Cornhill on Sunday to watch the festivities. Characters from The Regent show Cinderella turned on the impressive lights with a little help from Postman Pat, while Leticia Dean, who plays the Fairy Godmother, broadcast the voiceover while she was performing in Strictly Come Dancing.

Ipswich Central Executive Director, Paul Clement said: “Ipswich was really buzzing! We are well underway now with our Christmas campaign and this successful event shows the incredible volume of people who choose to visit and stay in Ipswich. The snow was brilliant, the laser and light show awesome and the giant inflatable Father Christmas sent everyone home smiling.”

Ipswich Central is supported by Suffolk County Council and suffolkonboard.com. Park and Ride was free into town all day and many shops and attractions were open through the day. Late night shopping commences on Thursday 22nd November and continues every Thursday evening until Christmas. Most shops stay open until 9pm.