High Streets across Suffolk have been “a hive of activity” during the Christmas rush according to business and tourism associations across the county.

In Bury St Edmunds there have even been new records in the number of shoppers collecting presents and enjoying the attractions in town.

CEO of the Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District Mark Cordell said: “It’s been very promising.

"Last week the footfall for the town was the highest for the comparable week pre-Covid.

East Anglian Daily Times: The chief executive of Bury St Edmunds' Business Improvement District Mark CordellThe chief executive of Bury St Edmunds' Business Improvement District Mark Cordell (Image: Archant)

“So in recent memory we have not had a busier week than last week.”

He added: “It’s been very encouraging and the free to use ice rink in the Arc Shopping Centre is proving a big hit and of course we encourage people to come into town and visit all the businesses.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Free Christmas ice skating rink opened in Bury St EdmundsFree Christmas ice skating rink opened in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Our Bury St Edmunds)

Woodbridge has also seen a great deal of Christmas activity.

Director of the tourism and business association, Choose Woodbridge, John Risby said: “It has been great seeing so many Christmas shoppers enjoying the festivities in Woodbridge.

“We had been impacted by the A12 roadworks in the run up to the big day, although thankfully now these are finished the high street and Thoroughfare were a hive of activity.”

The longstanding Woodbridge tradition of the Christmas Window Competition means businesses have been making the high street look as festive as possible for years and Mr Risby says this year is no different.   

He added: “With our new Christmas lights and the 23rd annual Christmas Window Competition, our lovely town has been an especially festive place to shop and celebrate.”