HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Halesworth for the town's Christmas lights switch-on.

Russell Claydon

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Halesworth for the town's Christmas lights switch-on.

In one of the biggest festive events held in the town for years, fireworks went off from the top of St Mary's Church to celebrate the occasion.

Revellers were in high spirits as they watched Father Christmas team up with the Beach Bunny from Beach Radio to turn on the Christmas lights.

The special guests were taken into the Thoroughfare by a procession led by the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums, which wound its way along from Rectory Street to The White Hart Inn, where carols were performed.

After the big switch-on - which also saw 71 trees light up - the Lee Vasey Orchestra launched into a special concert on the stage in the Market Square.

Dudley Clarke, a member of the Halesworth Business Connections group, said: “The whole town was alive. Everywhere you went there was loads of atmosphere and it was very festive.

“It was a hub of fun, excitement, laughter and noise.

“It was a great effort from the business community. It just bought Halesworth to life and it was excellent.”

The event was put on by the Halesworth Street Traders' Association, a branch of the Halesworth Business Connections group.