Attleborough will get into the festive spirit with its annual lights switch-on and Christmas carnival next month.

The town has built up a reputation for presenting one of the finest displays of Christmas lights in the region over the years and the Christmas carnival will be held on Sunday, December 2 from 1pm to 6pm.

The theme this year is the Christmas of 1952 and the lights will be switched on by Radio Norwich DJ Tina James at 4.15pm.

Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 2pm and will be in his grotto until 6pm with lots of gifts for boys and girls. His trusted reindeer Dasher and Cupid will be on Queens Square where members of the public can take photos.

Father Matthew Jackson will bless the tree followed by the traditional carol singing round the tree just before the lights switch-on. Everyone is welcome to join in the 'Christingle' service at the church following the lights switch on at 4.30pm.

Attleborough firefighters are looking to raise money for the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund and they are also looking for new volunteers and will doing a sponsored engine pull from the station in Thieves Lane to the Queens Square during the afternoon.

Once again there will be an abundance of craft stalls in the Church Hall, Town Hall and Sports Hall and Larry Gray's fun fair will be situated about the town for rides for all ages.

The WI will be doing refreshments in the Sports Hall next to the Bouncy Castle and Chapel Road School will be doing refreshments in the Church Hall.

Christmas carnival chairman Karen Pettitt said: ' I would like to thank everyone who has helped in whatever way. This is an event that takes a lot of organising and doesn't just happen overnight. We are a very small committee and all work very hard and we would also like to thank the people of Attleborough who turn out to support this event.'

'Many of the attractions would be able to take place if not for the companies and businesses who sponsor this event.'

A Christmas Craft Extravaganza will be held on Sunday, December 9 from 10am to 3pm at Connaught Hall Station Road, Attleborough. All proceeds will go to the Connaught Hall refurbishment fund. Refreshments will be available and entry is free.