Hundreds welcome festive season at Dereham Christmas lights switch-on

Crowds watching the main stage at the Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Smiles of joy spread across the Market Place and surrounding streets from parents and children alike as the festivities commenced.

Dereham Theatre Company's Jack Jarvis, who plays Aladdin in the self-titled pantomime, switched on the lights along with other members of the cast.

Alan Grey, the town councillor who organised the entertainment and was compere for the afternoon, said: "We are so grateful for the people of Dereham for giving up their time for a great event. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in setting this up."

In previous years the honour for the big switch-on has been carried out by four-year-old Denver Clinton, of Mattishall, who died earlier this year from a rare cancer, this year's Pride of Britain fundraiser of the year regional winner, Paul Sandford, and the town's mascot, Biscuit the deer.

Crowds watch the Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

The switch-on event was part of a day of family fun, with craft stalls, live music, food and drink.

Dereham Town Councillor, Alan Grey, on the main stage at the town's Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Jack Jarvis, who plays Aladdin in Dereham Theatre Company's pantomime, turns on the Christmas lights in the town. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

A nativity scene photobooth at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Children enjoy the carols at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Children enjoy the carols at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

A family enjoying the carols at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

A family enjoying the carols at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Jack Jarvis, who plays Aladdin in Dereham Theatre Company's pantomime, turns on the Christmas lights in the town. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

The cast of Dereham Theatre Company's pantomime Aladdin help turn on the town's Christmas lights. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Dereham Town Councillors Alan (L) and Kay (R) Grey with Jack Jarvis who play Aladdin in Dereham Theatre Company's pantomime at the town's Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

Children enjoying rides at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

The Christmas tree in Dereham town centre. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

A couple enjoy the festivities at Dereham Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)

ClaraBelle Whitehead and Jack Jarvis, who play Aladdin and Jasmine in Dereham Theatre Company's pantomime, at the town's Christmas light switch on 2019. Picture: Lauren De Boise. (Image: Archant)