Cromer traders are hoping an enhanced Christmas lights switch-on celebration will boost business in the town and create a buzz.

Businesses will be holding events throughout the day for the Cromer Christmas Lights and Festival on December 7 in the run-up to the switch-on at 5.30pm in front of the parish church.

Highlights include a traditional fete, dancing, nativity and Christmas tree festivals and an angel trail.

Tracey Khalil, president of Cromer and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce and owner of Foundations estate agents, said: 'We wanted to get the message 'get to know your local traders' across to people.

'Because this year's event is on a Saturday we are hoping it will be a much busier day. There will be a buzz and lively atmosphere in Cromer and people will be able to discover and make use of the different businesses.'

The switch-on has been organised by the Cromer Christmas Lights Committee and the other events have been arranged by chamber of trade, Cromer Town Council and other community groups.

In the past the Cromer switch-ons have happened on Friday nights but for this year a range of daytime events have been put on for locals and visitors.

Mrs Khalil added: 'For shopkeepers Christmas is a key time. Times are tough and it is not easy trading at the moment. Most businesses in the town are surviving and some are doing better than others. Cromer has fared quite well and we have not lost too many shops but you have got to fight for every penny.'

The angel trail, which involves collecting stickers from 32 businesses starts on December 7 and finishes on December 21.

A Christmas fete will be held in the Red Lion function room between 2-4pm; a charity nativities festival will run from December 4-7 in the Methodist church; and the charity Christmas tree festival will run for the same time in the parish church.

As well as the main events, many businesses will offer discounts and special offers throughout the day.

? A vintage organ and singing will be some of the highlights of the Holt Christmas lights switch-on at 6.45pm on November 20. Entertainment will start from 5.30pm.

? The switch-on in Aylsham Market Place will be on November 29 at 6pm. School children will be in a lantern procession from St Michael's Nursery and Infant School at 5.45pm.

? In North Walsham a street fair and the switch-on will happen in the Market Place on November 30. The street fair will start at 2pm, music will be played from 2.30pm, and the lights will be turned on at 6pm.

? An LED procession will be one of the highlights of the switch-on in Sheringham on December 6. The procession will start in the Station Road Car Park at 6.30pm and end at the clock tower where the lights will be switched on at 7pm.

? An animated organ, stalls, and Christmas tree festival will be the highlights of the Stalham street fair on December 8 between 2-5pm. It will be held on the High Street. Call 01692 582928 if you want to set up a stall.