The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is believed to have been even more popular this year, with at least 120,000 people thought to have enjoyed the festive extravaganza.

The event, now in its 11th year, included more than 300 stalls offering food, drink and gifts, live music, funfair rides, the town’s regular market, a farmers’ market, mini-farm for children, reel reindeer and Santa’s grotto.

It all started with an evening aimed at the community on Thursday, which gave people the chance to browse the stalls while enjoying the entertainment before the coaches arrived the following day.

The evening featured a parade with local schoolchildren and drew to a close with a “magnificent” display of fireworks - new this year.

While Christmas fair organiser Sharon Fairweather did not have the footfall figures on the final day of the event yesterday, she believed the numbers would be at least in line with last year, if not more.

She said: “I’m very proud of what the event has become and the professional team really who have all worked on it a long time.”

A particular highlight this year was the opening evening, she said, but she added the mild and dry weather had also been a bonus and the event overall was what really attracted people.

She said feedback had been fantastic, including from both residents and visitors.

“The atmosphere is just so friendly and festive and it puts everybody in a good mood,” Miss Fairweather said.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral also had its own Christmas fair on Friday and Saturday, including a nativity scene which members of the public could get dressed up for.

Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Robert Everitt, said he was pleased so many visitors had been able to come to the town to experience the “delights of our Christmas fair”.

He said after sampling Bury people would often return, adding: “That’s got to be good for the town itself.”

Miss Fairweather wanted to thank retailers for getting in the spirit of things, for example by dressing up.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of the Ourburystedmunds Business Improvement District (BID), said: “The event is a great advert for the town as a visitor destination and we hope that many will come back at different times during 2015 and beyond.”

He added it was great to hear independent traders off the main footfall areas had benefitted.

Miss Fairweather said every year there was something which could be improved upon.

“If anyone has got any feedback let me know,” she said.