Shoppers came to a standstill in Lowestoft today as the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums led a festive fairy tale parade through the town.

The parade marked the start of the traditional pantomime season and included stars from the east coast's only full scale professional pantomime - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - which opens at the Marina Theatre on Tuesday.

The cast were joined by Father Christmas, members of the Marina Youth Theatre group, dancers from June Glennie School of Dance and staff from local businesses in fancy dress.

Darren Newman, BID manager at Lowestoft Vision, which organised the event in partnership with the Marina Theatre, said: 'The parade is part of our Christmas celebrations and is a great way of bringing people into the town.

'It is a fun, family event and we wanted to do something that would bring the community and local businesses together.

'It is the first time we have done it and we are really pleased.

'We have increased the number of people in the town on a Saturday and have created a real festive atmosphere.'

The parade started at Station Square and travelled along London Road North before finishing outside the theatre.

Boots manager Claire Thomas joined the fun with colleagues from the store, who all dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz.

She said: 'It's a great opportunity for the retailers in the town to join together and really promote Lowestoft.'

This year's pantomime stars singer Denise Nolan as the Wicked Queen, with Britain's Got Talent impressionist Phillip Green and Jon Moses from ITV's Superstar. It runs until January 3, 2015.

Martin Halliday, chief executive of the Marina Theatre Trust, said: 'The cast have been busy rehearsing so it is a really good opportunity for them to get out and say hello to people ahead of the opening on Tuesday.

'We are really proud of our town and we always try to tie our pantomime and any other events in with things going on.

'It's a really good way of getting into the Christmas and pantomime spirit.'

For more information about the pantomime or to book tickets call the box office on 01502 533200 or visit www.marinatheatre.co.uk