Thousands turn out for Dereham Christmas lights switch-on - can you spot yourself in the crowd?

Eleanor Pringle

Published: 9:27 AM December 4, 2017 Updated: 12:56 PM October 6, 2020

Dereham Christmas Light Switch On, 2017 Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2017 - Credit: Sonya Duncan

The bustling market town of Dereham was packed on Sunday thanks to the roster of events and stalls put on for the Christmas light switch-on event.

Dereham Christmas Light Switch On, 2017 Paul Sandford switches on the lights.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2017 - Credit: Sonya Duncan

Visitors in their thousands turned out to meet reindeers in the market place, pet barn owls, and listen to choirs and singers performing on the pop-up stage.

Stilted performers weaved their way through crowds dotted with characters ranging from winter fairies to nutcracker dolls.

As darkness fell the anticipation rose ahead of the 5pm lights switch-on, as people munched their way through donuts and barbecued food sold from the street stalls.

A craft fair in the St Nicholas Parish Church was also a huge success.

Dereham Christmas Light Switch On, 2017 Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2017 - Credit: Sonya Duncan

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The lights were switched on by Railway Tavern landlord Paul Sandford, who was chosen thanks to his charity work and support of the armed forces. The event was also sponsored by the team at the Railway Tavern.