The festive season well and truly got underway in Norwich tonight as the city was lit up by Christmas lights and celebratory fireworks.

Popular former Norwich City striker Dion Dublin was on hand to push the all-important button at the Christmas lights switch-on event in front of City Hall.

The crowd counted the former striker down to zero and at 7pm he brought light to the streets of Norwich, with bright colours illuminating the city centre streets.

Bursts of fireworks from atop City Hall and the Jarrold's store on Exchange Street added to the fun, drawing big cheers from hundreds of families who had come to join the fun.

BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Goreham led the way with a rendition of Christmas carols before a fire performer took to the steps of City Hall to wow the crowds with a performance set to the music of The Snowman.

Then an inflatable snowball fight broke out, proving very popular with children hoisted on their parents' shoulders.

Mr Dublin had accompanied over 50 year seven students from the Hewett School on a candle-lit procession travelling up from Bishopgate, via London Street, of paper lanterns, stilt walkers, a band, Father Christmas and the Human Snowballs choir.

Once they arrived, Mr Dublin told the appreciative crowd: 'I played for 22 years and eight clubs, and I can say hand on heart that you (Norwich City fans) were the most sincere.

'So thank you for cheering me on and looking after me!'

Then with a great big smile Mr Dublin pushed down the plunger to turn on the Norwich Christmas lights and held his arms aloft as the fireworks were released.

- For lots of pictures and much more on tonight's events, see tomorrow's EDP and Evening News.