Family fun, fireworks and Father Christmas attracted record numbers of people to a coastal town.

Eastern Daily Press: Darth Vader proved to be a popular attraction at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders AssociationDarth Vader proved to be a popular attraction at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders Association (Image: Archant)

Billed as 'the big switch on and the big bang,' Gorleston High Street was illuminated last night (Sunday) - with an estimated 7,500 people turning out over the course of the day.

Eastern Daily Press: The crowds gather before the Gorleston High Street lights were switched on. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders AssociationThe crowds gather before the Gorleston High Street lights were switched on. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders Association (Image: Archant)

Organised by the Gorleston Traders Association, there was more than six hours of events and entertainment, which attracted 'phenomenal' crowds.

Eastern Daily Press: Micky Mouse at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders AssociationMicky Mouse at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders Association (Image: Archant)

And this year's annual switch-on of the lights in the High Street, which was conducted by Gorleston-based Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate and the mayor of Great Yarmouth, Malcolm Bird, was hailed as the 'most successful one ever.'

Eastern Daily Press: Santa's grotto at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders AssociationSanta's grotto at the Gorleston High Street lights switch-on event. Pictures: Kevin Huggins/Gorleston Traders Association (Image: Archant)

After the Christmas lights had been switched on, the crowds enjoyed a 'brilliant' fireworks display – with music, entertainment, attractions, stalls, street characters, rides, a climbing wall, ice skating rink, and Father Christmas all proving popular throughout the day.

Kevin Huggins, chairman of the Gorleston Traders Association, said: 'This was the most successful switch-on event on Gorleston High Street ever. The crowds were phenomenal, with about 7,500 people attending over the course of the day.

'The fireworks were brilliant, the ice skating rink took the most money ever, the rides we provided were the most successful ever - it was phenomenal. Everyone was in great Christmas spirits and it kickstarted the festive season in Gorleston High Street with a bang.

'On behalf of the Gorleston Traders Association I want to say a huge thanks to all the volunteers and the committee – without them it would not happen. This year's switch-on in Gorleston High Street was a fantastic success.'