Thousands of people headed to the coastal town of Wells for its annual ChristmasTide celebration on Saturday.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Almost 5,000 people enjoyed events and music running throughout the day.

Staithe Street was packed with stalls and the shops were open with festive displays while there were plenty of winter warming drinks to try along the route.

A lantern making workshop was heaving with youngsters pasting gallons of glue and glitter onto their creations before BBC Look East presenters David Whiteley and Amelia Reynolds switched on the Christmas lights.

Then a lantern parade led people to the Quay, headed by dancers, a band and even fire-eaters.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

As the festive hoards gathered to wait for Father Christmas, young and old were encouraged to shout 'We want Santa', before his illuminated boat appeared across the water and docked at the harbour office.

An impressive firework display left onlookers wowed and exclaiming 'brilliant' and 'amazing'.

Organisers spoke of their delight at how well the event went.

'We thought last year was good,' said Christmas committee member Mel Catton. 'But this year excelled that, we've had reports of people saying they haven't seen the town so busy in a long long time.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

'It was fantastic, our aim on the committee was just to make sure everyone that came really enjoyed themselves, particularly the children. So far all the reports and thanks we've had coming back has been that people loved the event, so we've done our job.

'The fireworks and Santa arriving by boat was also superb, and we would like to thank the Harbour team for all their help and support.'

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Lights - Picture: ArchantWells Christmas Lights - Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)