Thousands of people braved a cold November night to see Norwich City chairman and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls turn on the Norwich Christmas lights.

Eastern Daily Press: Ed Balls tried to teach Santa some Gangnam Style moves. Picture: Matthew Usher.Ed Balls tried to teach Santa some Gangnam Style moves. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

The former shadow chancellor entertained the crowd with some of his famous dance moves before flicking the switch on the lights which was quickly followed by fireworks from Norwich City Hall and the roof of Jarrold.

Eastern Daily Press: Thousands braved the cold weather as Christmas started in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher.Thousands braved the cold weather as Christmas started in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Alongside the Christmas lights there was Santa's colourful parade from Norwich Cathedral, accompanied by carol singers, entertainment from a host of performers and the finale, a projected festive light show set to music on City Hall.

Eastern Daily Press: People waited outisde Norwich City Hall for Ed Balls to appear. Picture: Matthew Usher.People waited outisde Norwich City Hall for Ed Balls to appear. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Katie Passarelli, 36, a full- time mum from Norwich who comes to the light switch on every year, said: 'It was a really nice night; we had a lot of fun. We are definitely in the Christmas spirit!'

Eastern Daily Press: Ed Balls entertained the crowds with some dancing. Picture: Matthew Usher.Ed Balls entertained the crowds with some dancing. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Mother and daughter Louise and Grace Webster said they 'really loved the archway' along Hay Hill. Louise said: 'It was jam packed, but it's so pretty'.

Eastern Daily Press: Santa struggled to master Gangnam Style with Ed Balls. Picture: Matthew Usher.Santa struggled to master Gangnam Style with Ed Balls. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

And District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Carl Meadows and his Explorers unit had a very special night as three members were lucky enough to have their investiture in the tunnel of light. He said: 'It's been a brilliant night.'

Eastern Daily Press: It was Ed Balls's job to turn on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher.It was Ed Balls's job to turn on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

• Scroll through our photos from last night to see if you can spot yourself.

Eastern Daily Press: Fireworks followed Ed Balls turning on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher.Fireworks followed Ed Balls turning on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: The crowds outside Norwich City Hall loved the fake snow. Picture: Matthew Usher.The crowds outside Norwich City Hall loved the fake snow. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Fireworks were launched from Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher.Fireworks were launched from Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Festive scenes were projected onto Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher.Festive scenes were projected onto Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: The 60-metre long tunnel of light on Hay Hill. Picture: Matthew Usher.The 60-metre long tunnel of light on Hay Hill. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Framtastics Gymnastics peformed on stage . Picture: Matthew Usher.Framtastics Gymnastics peformed on stage . Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Dressed in blue Framtastics Gymnastics wowed the crowds. Picture: Matthew Usher.Dressed in blue Framtastics Gymnastics wowed the crowds. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: People of all ages turned out to watch the Norwich Christmas lights being switched on. Picture: Matthew Usher.People of all ages turned out to watch the Norwich Christmas lights being switched on. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: There were lots of performers outside Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher.There were lots of performers outside Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: On eyoung girl sings on the stage outside Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher.On eyoung girl sings on the stage outside Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: People take a selfie with a giant Christmas pudding. Picture: Matthew Usher.People take a selfie with a giant Christmas pudding. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Photos were the main port of call for many people. Picture: Matthew Usher.Photos were the main port of call for many people. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: There was a lot of different acts at the Norwich Christmas lights switch on. Picture: Matthew Usher.There was a lot of different acts at the Norwich Christmas lights switch on. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: The countdown for the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher.The countdown for the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: People getting their phones ready for Ed Balls. Picture: Matthew Usher.People getting their phones ready for Ed Balls. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Christmas projections on Norwich Castle. Picture: Matthew Usher.Christmas projections on Norwich Castle. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: The band were playing Christmas songs. Picture: Matthew Usher.The band were playing Christmas songs. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Crowds enjoying the tunnel of lights. Picture: Matthew Usher.Crowds enjoying the tunnel of lights. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Giant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise BurrowsGiant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise Burrows (Image: Denise Burrows)

Eastern Daily Press: Giant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise BurrowsGiant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise Burrows (Image: Denise Burrows)

Eastern Daily Press: Giant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise BurrowsGiant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise Burrows (Image: Denise Burrows)

Eastern Daily Press: Giant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise BurrowsGiant elves were spotted around the city. Photo by Denise Burrows (Image: Denise Burrows)