Lowestoft plays host to fun-filled Christmas Spectacular

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular featured the biggest festive parade that the town has ever seen, and hundreds flocked to the town centre this afternoon for an early dose of seasonal joy.

As a bell sounded to signal the start of proceedings at 4pm, mascots led the parade from Station Square up London Road North towards the Marina Theatre, closely followed by a Santa Train.

Marina Theatre Panto star Mark Read takes part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

On board were the cast of this year's Aladdin pantomime in full costume, with Ann Widdecombe dressed as the Empress of China and A1 boyband member Mark Read as the leading man.

Delighted families and children, many of whom attended in fancy dress, lined the streets to wave as the procession went by.

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Locals are this evening being treated to a feast of festivities including a fun fair, bouncy castle, giant snow globe, face painting, reindeer and two Christmas fairs with food, drink and gifts.

Shops will be staying open late until the event comes to a close at 8pm; there will also be free car parking from 4pm in all car parks, with the exception of the railway station.

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The event has been organised by Discover Lowestoft, a project of Lowestoft Vision.

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Disney Princesses take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Wuffa Saxon and Viking Reenactment society take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Woody Bear taking part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The Wuffa Saxon and Viking Reenactment society take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Panto stars and local groups take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Ann Widdecombe with Marina Theatre panto stars take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Marina Theatre Panto Dame takes part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Ann Widdecombe with Marina Theatre panto stars take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Batman and Wonder Woman take part in the Lowestoft Christmas Spectacular parade through the town centre.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)