Hundreds get in the festive spirit at Downham Market's Christmas lights switch-on
Hundreds of residents in Downham descended on the town centre on Sunday to see the streets be brightened up for the festive season.
People of all ages enjoyed the town's annual Christmas Lights switch-on event, with activities taking place across the town centre throughout the day.
Elaine Oliver, clerk at Downham Market Town Council, which organised the event, said: “The Christmas Lights switch-on is always an eagerly awaited event in Downham Market and this year was no exception.
Downham Market Rotary Club members (LtoR) Alan Culley, Howard Phillips, Kay Lincoln, Anne Guymer and Peter Williams.. (22425561)
"We were delighted to see so many of the town’s residents coming together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.
"Volunteers, staff and councillors work hard over many months to make this event a reality and it was so rewarding to see people of all ages enjoying themselves.”
The event started in the morning with an artisan craft fair inside the town hall, Santa arrived on his sleigh in the early afternoon and youngsters were able to enjoy funfair rides from 2pm.
A number of stalls offering games and refreshments, including one from Downham Market Rotary Club, also lined the streets.
Schoolchildren from Nelson Academy and Hillcrest Primary School treated the crowds to Christmas songs and carols, and drama groups FenSong and Downham Amateur Dramatics Society (DADS) also gave performances ahead of the big switch-on.
Two children, Scarlett Cuthbert, 7, and Adrian Farao, 5, who, as a result of winning a Halloween costume competition last month, helped town mayor Becky Hayes and town crier Ray Wales turn on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm.
