Thousands of people gathered in Dereham as the town kicked off its Christmas celebrations.

An afternoon of entertainment culminated in the light switch-on which saw the town come illuminated on Sunday evening (November 27).

There was a huge turnout in the Market Place for the big moment.

Dereham footballing star Ashton Fox, who plays for Peterborough United and England under 18s, switched them on and said it was "a real pleasure" to have been asked.

Dereham Times:

Several people from the Ukrainian community were also on the stage for the switch on.

The stage programme went ahead as planned, with Dereham Churches together leading community carol singing before the lights went on.

There were a large number of stalls from local organisations.

The Baptist Church did a nativity photo booth so people could dress up as a character from the Christmas story.

Dereham Times:

Dereham Times:

Dereham Times: