Crowds flock to Halesworth for festive lights switch-on

The band of the Royal Bristish Legion from Leiston lead the parade at the Halesworth Christmas lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

A procession led by Santa attracted the crowds to Halesworth as the town was illuminated on Saturday night.

Rowan Conneely blows the horn to light Halesworth Christmas lights. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

With the festive lights looking 'lovely,' according to organisers from Halesworth Events Management, entertainment aplenty attracted the crowds.

The Halesworth Christmas lights are switched on. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

There were performances from Ox Blood Molly Dancers, the Halesworth Festival Voices the band Backtrackin and a comedian on the night.

The Halesworth Christmas lights are switched on. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Santa got on his sleigh and was led through the Thoroughfare by the Royal British Legion Band from Leiston to eventually arrive in the Market Place.

Halesworth Christmas lights are switched on. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

With speeches prior to the switch-on, and a blessing by the Rev Jan Bunday, the Beach Radio team involved the crowds as 10-year-old Rowan Conneely – the winner of the scarecrow treasure hunt competition – counted everyone down and there was loud applause as the festive lights were turned on.

Halesworth Christmas lights are switched on. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Praising everyone that had helped make the switch-on event a success, Teresa Walsh, chairman of Halesworth Events Management (HEM) said: 'It was a fantastic evening.

'There was such a lovely atmosphere, full of smiling faces, young and old. The town was full and it was really, really lovely. The feedback we have had has been phenomenal. People have been saying how wonderful our little town looks.'

For the past four years the lights switch-on has been organised by HEM. Mrs Walsh added: 'An older gentleman had tears rolling down his face as he told us he had never seen Halesworth look so beautiful. That summed up the feelings, and is so humbling. The HEM committee would like to thank everyone who turned out or supported this event, and especially to the Halesworth Lions for providing the sleigh as Father Christmas arrived in style.'