The Stowmarket Christmas Tree festival is now well underway, with organisers saying there have been queues outside St Peter's and St Mary's parish church in the town centre.

On Friday, November 26, author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz pushed the button to light up the Christmas trees across the five venues in the town that are taking part.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ivy at the Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's churchIvy at the Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in StowmarketThe Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Judy Eden, who has been involved with the event since it began 18 years ago said: "It is part of the start of Christmas for people."

Mrs Eden, who will be one of the organisers at the St Peter and St Mary's parish church during the festival said: "The crowds have been pouring through the doors.

"It is lovely watching people's faces as they come in and they say 'wow'."

East Anglian Daily Times: Octavia at the Christmas Tree festival in StowmarketOctavia at the Christmas Tree festival in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Evelyn at the Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in StowmarketEvelyn at the Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

She added: "It is so popular for so many people in the town and the surrounding areas."

Trees for the festival have been decorated by groups across Stowmarket, including school children, Brownies and Women's Institute groups.

The other venues taking part in the festival are Stowmarket Library, the Walnut pub, Abbots Hall at the Museum of the East Anglian Life and the Red Gables. It will run until January 1, 2022.

East Anglian Daily Times: Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in StowmarketChristmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lily admiring a Christmas tree at the festival in StowmarketLily admiring a Christmas tree at the festival in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Stowmarket Christmas Tree FestivalThe Stowmarket Christmas Tree Festival (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

East Anglian Daily Times: Austin having fun at THE Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in StowmarketAustin having fun at THE Christmas tree festival at St Marys and St Peter's church in Stowmarket (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)