Beccles illuminated with festive cheer at Christmas lights switch on

Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Congregating in front of the main stage the large crowd were showered with fake snow as Dave Taylor from Heart Radio took charge of proceedings.

The honour of turning on the lights fell to the cast of this year’s Beccles pantomime Robin Hood and reigning mayor Richard Stubbings.

Mr Stubbings said: “It’s great to see so many people in the town and see it all so vibrant.

“There is a lovely atmosphere with all the parents and children milling around.

BellaTonic sing entertain at the Beccles Christmas light switch-on. (Image: Archant © 2017)

“It’s so nice to see the town buzzing. The switch on is a real attraction for Beccles and one that we can build on.”

The switch on also signals the launch of the Beccles Christmas Tree Trail, which will run until December 23. This year 63 businesses will be displaying decorated trees around the town as part of the trail.

The doors also opened to the Christmas Tree Festival at Hungate Church, which will run until Sunday.

Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Suffolk school of Samba at the Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hundreds of people gather for the Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hundreds of people gather for the Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hungate Church Christmas Tree Festival 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Hungate Church Christmas Tree Festival 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hungate Church Christmas Tree Festival 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Suffolk school of Samba at the Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Hungate Church Christmas Tree Festival 2017.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Beccles Town Mayor Richard Stubbings presents the awards for the best dressed window.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Robin Hood panto cast members help with the Beccles Christmas 2017 festive light switch-on.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)