Market chips on the menu for Santa at Yarmouth Christmas lights switch on

A three-day Christmas extravaganza kicked off in Great Yarmouth today, with the grand light switch on this evening coinciding with the start of the Christmas Fayre earlier on in the afternoon.

Before the main event revellers enjoyed festive fun. Whether mastering the slippery art of ice skating on the real ice rink, enjoying seasonal food and drink or taking a ride on the Santa Express.

But when the time came to press the button, all came to a standstill while Mayor of Great Yarmouth Cllr Shirley Weymouth was joined by cast members of Cinderella from St George's Theatre and Santa Claus himself to do the honours and fill the town's market place with twinkling lights.

Before that all-important plunger was pressed, however, Santa assured the children of Great Yarmouth they had been good enough to get presents this year.

'You've all been very good, which means I've been very busy,' he said. 'And in a little while I'm going to treat myself to some traditional market chips!'

But it wasn't only the strings of wintery lights that made on-lookers 'oooh' and 'aaah', as the night sky was illuminated with fireworks to really make the night go off with a bang.

Now that the season to be jolly is truly under way, residents can spend the rest of the weekend soaking up the atmosphere or getting in some early Christmas shopping. Attractions include a giant snow globe photo booth, walk about ice people, and mischievous elves and fairies.

Musical treats will be in store on the market place stage all weekend, while a more traditional vibe can be felt in the Minster, with school choirs, hand bell ringers and organ recitals.

• For more, see www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/gyChristmas