Late-night Christmas shopping in Colchester has been launched with the traditional festive lights switch-on at Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Hundreds of shoppers gathered for the high street spectacular which kicked off with a host live performances before the fireworks finale.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

It comes after the Christmas Lights Switch-on spectacular in Colchester on Sunday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The Brinkley School Choir, Theatre Train Choir, Colchester singer Abbie Hartley, and, of course, Santa himself, entertained the audience before the skies were illuminated.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Meanwhile, details for this year’s Colchester High Street Christmas Market have been released.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

It is being held along Colchester’s High Street from 9am-5pm on Sunday, December 3. The high street will be closed to traffic.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Stalls will be selling gifts and memorabilia, festive street food, and takeaway goodies. There will be classic funfair rides, such as the spinning tea-cups, and a free raffle to win a family ticket to the Ice Slide in Castle Park.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Timings for the day:

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

11am: Bun Hurling from the Town Hall

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHundreds of people enjoying the Lion Walk Shopping Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on 2017. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

12pm: Christmas Songs from Abbie Harding

1pm: Christmas songs from Sarah Isom’s Millfields Primary School Singing Club (Town Hall steps)

Mike Lilley, portfolio holder for public safety and licensing at Colchester Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that Colchester will be hosting this festive event on the High Street this year.

“The stalls, decorations, entertainment, and festive food and drink on offer will all add to the spirit of Christmas in our town. I encourage residents and visitors to come along and see what Colchester has to offer this weekend.”