Thousands turned out to see the Norwich City chairman switch on the festive display and he even treated the crowds to some Gangnam Style moves.

Eastern Daily Press: Ed Balls taught Father Christmas the moves to Gangnam Style Picture: Mustard TVEd Balls taught Father Christmas the moves to Gangnam Style Picture: Mustard TV (Image: Archant)

Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls said it was a huge honour to turn on the Norwich Christmas lights 50 years after he was born less than a mile from the city centre.

The 49-year-old got asked by Norwich City Council to come to the event and even on the night he said he couldn't believe he was doing it.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Norwich Christmas Lights Switch on 2016 - With Norwich City Chairman and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ed Balls turning on the light. Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the Norwich Christmas Lights Switch on 2016 - With Norwich City Chairman and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ed Balls turning on the light. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

'I would have never have dreamed that I would not only be coming back to turn on the lights in Norwich but also being described as Strictly's Ed Balls is absolutely ridiculous,' he said.

'The crowd was packed out there even on a cold night, the fireworks were brilliant and from my point of view as somebody from here not only to be chairman of the football club but now to turn on the lights is really, really special.'

Eastern Daily Press: Fireworks followed Ed Balls turning on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher.Fireworks followed Ed Balls turning on the Norwich Christmas lights. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

After the switch on the former shadow chancellor jumped into a car for the long journey up to Blackpool for rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing special this weekend.

Alongside professional partner Katya Jones he will be performing a jive to 'Great Balls of Fire' in the famous ballroom and the routine involves him being lowered from the ceiling playing a piano.

Eastern Daily Press: The 60-metre long tunnel of light on Hay Hill. Picture: Matthew Usher.The 60-metre long tunnel of light on Hay Hill. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

But he played down his chances of winning the BBC One show when he was asked if he would have an open top bus victory parade through the streets of the city.

'Luckily for Norwich this isn't going to happen because there are a lot better dancers than me on the show and I think dance quality comes through in the end,' he said. 'We will save our bus tour for when Norwich go back to the Premier League and we hope that will be this season but it is going to happen soon.'

Eastern Daily Press: Festive scenes were projected onto Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher.Festive scenes were projected onto Norwich City Hall. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Eastern Daily Press: Thousands of people turned out for the Norwich Christmas lights switch on. Picture: Matthew Usher.Thousands of people turned out for the Norwich Christmas lights switch on. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)