A bustling town centre celebrated the arrival of the Christmas season at its lights switch-on.

Eastern Daily Press: A street performer at the Harleston Christmas lights switch on. Picture by Ian CarstairsA street performer at the Harleston Christmas lights switch on. Picture by Ian Carstairs (Image: Ian Carstairs)

Families lined the streets in Harleston for the event on Saturday evening, which featured morris dancing and a festive market populated by craft stalls, food vendors and local groups.

Carol Wiles MBE flicked the switch while hundreds watched on in the excited crowd.

The main event was preceded by a day of festivities, including a bazaar in St John's Church and a festive street market.

Group including the Harleston and District Dementia Group and Friends of Harleston CEVA Primary School had stalls in The Thoroughfare and Exchange Street, the Friday Fun Club ran a Christmas raffle and members of Harleston and District Round Table were serving up burgers and hotdogs.

Eastern Daily Press: Nathaniel Howell on his penny-farthing at the Harleston Christmas lights switch on. Picture by Ian CarstairsNathaniel Howell on his penny-farthing at the Harleston Christmas lights switch on. Picture by Ian Carstairs (Image: Ian Carstairs)

The Old Glory Molly Men entertained the crowd with a display near the town sign and Santa was kept busy by a queue of excited children at his grotto in the tourist information centre.

Before the switch on, there was a musical procession down The Thoroughfare with children holding festive lanterns aloft.