Christmas officially got under way in several towns across Suffolk at the weekend as people enjoyed their annual festival lights switch-ons.

There was a full programme of events for thousands of people to enjoy including visits from Father Christmas a parade and music.

In Framlingham on Saturday, Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dan Poulter turned on the town’s lights.The event marked the beginning of the town’s festive season, which includes a Christmas tree festival, charities market, Christmas market and late-night shopping.

Among the highlights was Mia Pascoe, of the Fresh Aspirations Forum, who was the MC for the night.

Organisers thanked the organisations and people who helped to make the day happen, including the Framlingham Business Association, the town council and county councillor Stephen Burroughs.

Jenny Stockman, of the Framlingham Business Association, added: “It was lovely, it was really friendly and the churches got lots of singers together so the carols were amazing.”

In Felixstowe, a day filled with performances and music built up the festive cheer ahead of the lights switch-on, which was undertaken by mayor and county councillor Graham Newman.

Members of The Lions Club of Felixstowe have volunteered hundreds of hours maintaining the lights this year, improving them, building new displays, and putting up the garlands and decorations. The tree was the centrepiece on The Triangle.

John Gooch, vice-president of the Felixstowe Lions, said: “It was very good. It was a lovely day for a start and lots of people turned up.”

In Aldeburgh, the town’s business association and Aldeburgh Music arranged various activities to help get people in the festive spirit.

Association chairman Rob Mabey said: “I thought it was a great day.”

In addition to a music programme on the day, there was also a pheasant-plucking competition, a festive hook a duck and a bottle pull.

In Hadleigh on Sunday night, popular children’s character Peppa Pig got the festivities under way as she flipped the switch on the town’s lights.