Suffolk may have enjoyed an almost frost-free winter so far, but the big freeze descended on one town this weekend – and so did scores of visitors enticed by the ice.

Christmas came early to Leiston, where wintry entertainment included an artificial ice rink in the High Street car park.

Two large marquees accommodated market stalls, while Leiston Film Theatre hosted Santa’s grotto and a screening of Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

The quintessentially festive sounds of the Royal British Legion Band rang out at regular intervals, along with performances by Alde Valley Academy Singing Club.

The two-day ‘Leiston on Ice’ event also featured a fun fair, food, entertainment on and off the rink, and the Christmas tree lights switch-on.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Monkeying around amongst the crowd was the film theatre’s own mischievous mascot, Cheeky the Chimp.

East Anglian Daily Times: Emma Mouser and Selena Levermore, event organiser. Picture: Victoria PertusaEmma Mouser and Selena Levermore, event organiser. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria PertusaThe Leiston Christmas Event kicked off the holiday season with rides and prizes. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)