Photographs from Bury St Edmunds Christmas light switch on and Abbey Gardens light show
Christmas in Bury St Edmunds has officially begun after the lights were switched on in the town centre last night.
Families were able to enjoy traditional carol singing on Angel Hill and some lucky children even got to meet Santa.
Councillor Susan Glossop, cabinet member for growth at West Suffolk Council, said: "Bury St Edmunds is a wonderful place throughout the year, but it is particularly magical at Christmas and there's lots of festive, fun for people of all ages to enjoy."
Those enjoying the festive celebrations on Thursday evening had the chance to meet Paddington and Spiderman, who was happy to have photographs taken with his fans.
Despite the damp and windy weather, stalls also set up in the town centre - including many from local charities.
Mark Cordell, chief executive officer of Our Bury St Edmunds described the light switch on event as a 'huge success' with large numbers of people visiting the town centre after 5pm.
New Christmas lights, which proved popular with shoppers, have been installed for 2022 and can be found in St John's Street, on the side of Caffè Nero on the Cornhill and across Central Walk.
Mr Cordell was disapointed that entertainment planned for the stage had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
He said: "Despite scouring weather forecasts we couldn't foresee the rain going away, even though the gusts of wind remained.
"We were absolutely delighted it did and it was wonderful to see so many families in our town, to such an extent that the event didn't close until 8pm, its scheduled time."
The Christmas light switch on was paid for by town centre businesses with the aim of making Bury St Edmunds as welcoming for residents and businesses as possible.
Mr Cordell added: "The stall holders who remained had a great day in the end with Nathan from Peck in St John's Street selling out of all his chicken and having to go back to the shop to restock.
"Paddington Bear and Santa Claus, courtesy of the Round Table, were the most popular guests but the Victorian Carol Singers on Angel Hill drew regular crowds and were even visited by Spiderman."
Thursday evening also marked the start of the Bury St Edmunds Weekend Light Spectacular in the Abbey Gardens.
Stunning photographs from the spectacle in the Abbey Gardens, show the ruins and Norman Tower illuminated.
There are still plenty of festive events coming up ahead of Christmas 2022, including a Christmas market at St Edmundsbury Cathedral from Thursday, November 24 to Saturday, November 26.
The arc will also host a Christmas market which will run from Thursday, November 24 to Thursday, December 22.
