Sudbury set for biggest ever Christmas lights switch-on and fair

The centre of Sudbury will light up in festive colours on Friday night, in what is expected to be the town’s biggest ever switch-on event.

The Christmas Lights Switch-on and Fair will take place from 5pm to 9pm, with late-night shopping and entertainment spread throughout Market Hill, North Street, East Street and Old Market Place.

More than 70 food, drink and gift stalls, live music, festive characters, street performers, Christmas carols and the popular Santa’s grotto have been lined up for the night, organised by Sudbury Town Council’s event co-ordinator Teresa Elford.

At 6pm, the lights will be turned on at the Memory Tree in Old Market Place, which is raising money for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

This will be followed by the official switch-on near the Thomas Gainsborough statue on Market Hill at 6.30pm.

Alongside the festivities, more than 25 high street businesses will be open late, with giveaways, samples, discounts and other special offers.

Sudbury town centre manager Rachel Price said: “The message of ‘love local this Christmas’ has never been more important.

“Our businesses have faced three years of impossible challenges, but continue to show resilience and creativity.

“The support of local custom has kept many of our businesses going, so this is a true celebration – a thank you to them, and a thank you to you and let’s keep supporting local.”