King's Lynn's Christmas lights switch-on promises an afternoon of festive family fun and entertainment.

Christmas in King's Lynn officially begins at noon on Sunday, November 26, with street entertainers performing around the town centre.

Strolling around the town centre will be the festive fairy-tale princesses, who are returning to Lynn by popular demand after their success at last year's switch-on, and the stars of the King's Lynn Corn Exchange pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto on New Conduit Street in the Vancouver Quarter, so any youngsters who've been good this year should make sure they pay him a visit.

From 3pm the main stage opens to fill the Tuesday Market Place with live entertainment. Acts will include local rock and blues cover band DNA and a festive Motown tribute from the Fascinettes.

There will also be festive stalls, and funfair rides for the little ones in the town centre, as part of an afternoon of fun for all the family.

From 4.30pm the movie princesses, along with the stars of Jack and the Beanstalk and Father Christmas will join KLFM DJs on the Tuesday Market Place stage.

The countdown will begin, and shortly after 4:30pm, King's Lynn's Christmas lights will be switched-on by the Mayor of West Norfolk Carol Bower and her consort, Simon Bower.

Elizabeth Nockolds, West Norfolk council deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, said: 'Our Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of a packed festive season for King's Lynn.

'This afternoon of free family entertainment should get everyone in the Christmas spirit, and highlight what our town centre has to offer.'

After the lights switch-on, a special 'free after three' parking promotion, courtesy of Discover King's Lynn, begins on Thursday, November 30.

Shoppers will be able to park for free after 3pm in all borough council car parks on every Thursday until December 21.

Abbie Panks, Vancouver Quarter centre manager, added: 'The Christmas light switch-on is one of the town's most popular events, so whether you want to listen to some live music, check out the Light-Walkers or visit Father Christmas there will be something for everyone to enjoy.'