It is the time of year to start getting into the Christmas spirit and many people were out doing just that for the Chapelfield Lights switch-on tonight.

The star of this years' show was children's television character Bob the Builder and his friends. Although the turnout was not as big as last year's numbers of 8,000 attending, Chapelfield plain was still full of people out to have a good time and get involved in the action.

Last year's main event was former Britain's Got Talent Winners, Diversity.

Sheridan Smith, marketing manager at Chapelfield, said: 'We're expecting about 2,000 people this year. An awful lot of effort goes into this as we really wanted to make it really special for everybody.

'You can't really see Santa and a Christmas tree, giant baubles and sparkling lights without feeling Christmassy.'

The crowd were also treated to live performances from local band Dumbfoundus, and Subminor, otherwise known as human beat-box, Lee Gibling.

Becks Marpole, from Norwich, brought her children Finley, 2, and Ruben, 6 weeks, to see Bob the Builder.

'I've never been before and it's very exciting. I think it's nice to have a separate light switch on here to spread things out a bit,' she said.

Complementing the entertainment on the stage, in the Chapelfield centre there were real reindeer and also donkey 'reindeer' rides, craft activities, face painting, the Jack Frost band on stilts and some Christmas elves just to top it off all.

There is also a 25ft Christmas tree outside House of Fraser.

The event marks the start of late night seasonal shopping and this is also the first official Christmas lights switch on event in the City.

Newton Flotman resident Silvaneide Crane said: 'It's nice to take the kids out and come and see people. It's lovely to see them happy.'

The event was hosted by radio Norwich 99.9, with presenters Steve Bradley and Tina James.

For more information on Chapelfield's opening times please call 01603 753 344 or visit their website www.chapelfield.co.uk