IT is the most magical time of year, and this week there has been an extra sparkle sprinkled over the region.

In Colchester, the curtain went up on The Mercury Theatre’s annual panto. This year audience’s are enjoying the spectacle that is Jack and The Beanstalk.

Father Christmas has been checking his list after speaking with children at Denny’s in Bury St Edmunds and in Ipswich, shoppers snapped up bargains at the Fore Street Christmas market.

Footballers took a trip to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, as well as other medical centres across Suffolk, to spread some festive cheer.

Scouts in Stowmarket have shown they are prepared for Christmas by launching their annual post service.

Tree festivals have also taken place around the region, celebrating the iconic Christmas tree.

• Share you Christmas celebrations by uploading photos, and video, to suffolk.iwitness24.co.uk. • For Christmas events and church services, visit our Perfect Christmas pages.