Record crowds turned out for the Christmas lights switch-on in Wells this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Tide celebrations. Father Christmas helpers at the evening event.PHOTO: Nick ButcherWells Christmas Tide celebrations. Father Christmas helpers at the evening event.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Record crowds turned out for the Christmas lights switch-on in Wells this year.

Around 150 children made lanterns for a parade through town during a day of festivities to celebrate the start of the countdown to Christmas.

And television presenters Amelia Reynolds and David Whiteley turned the lights on.

Mel Catton, from Wells Christmas Tide committee which organises the event, said: 'It was an absolutely phenomenal and memorable day for everyone who attended. I've been here a long time and I think that's the most people I've seen in Wells in one day all my life. I think that's the best one we've ever had.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Tide celebrations. Carol singers.PHOTO: Nick ButcherWells Christmas Tide celebrations. Carol singers.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

'The weather was kind to us and the streets were packed from first thing in the morning which created a great atmosphere

'We had a really nice mix of street entertainment that went on throughout the day along the street and the quay.

'The public were all joining in the singing and some of them were even dancing in the street which was nice.'

Among the attractions on the day were performances from Norwich Samba Band, the Thundermental street performers, the Dickensian Ding Dong, the Ukulele Elves and a host of street buskers.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Christmas Tide celebrations. Fireworks light up the sky.PHOTO: Nick ButcherWells Christmas Tide celebrations. Fireworks light up the sky.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Thanking everyone who made it happen, Mr Catton added: 'We've already got people phoning us this morning asking us when next year's switch-on is!'