Thousands of people have turned out at River Green, Thorpe St Andrew to see the reindeer, sing carols, ride on the fairground and see Father Christmas arrive to switch on the Christmas lights today.

The annual event went ahead despite overnight heavy winds causing concerns.

One of the organisers Sue Lawn made the brave decision to go-ahead with the event after waking up today with her heart in her mouth because of the winds.

But the weather improved throughout the day and the event went ahead from 4pm, starting with the Christmas market on The Buck Inn's car park.

Next up was Father Christmas who brought his parade to River Green, off Yarmouth Road, at 5.15pm to switch on the Christmas lights.

The event also featured family entertainment, and Father Christmas presented a small gift to all the children who visited him in his grotto.

Co-organiser Jonathan Emsell said: 'There were about 17 stalls on the market and more rides on the funfair this year.'

The evening continued with carol singing and a nativity, led by Vineyard Church, before a firework display from Thorpe Island.

Town council clerk Steven Ford said that a Christingle service was held at the church for the first time, which was well attended.

As reported, the Norwich Christmas lights were switched-on on Thursday.

Paralympic archer Mel Clarke, who won a silver medal in this year's Paralympic Games, lit up the city centre when she pressed the switch.

Around 5,000 people were entertained outside City Hall with music and fireworks spouting from the balcony of the council's headquarters and from the Jarrold's roof.

Christmas lights switch-on events have been held across the county this weekend in Gorleston, Sheringham, Lowestoft, Burnham Market, Hunstanton, and Downham Market.

Meanwhile, people in central Norwich also had the chance today to join Father Christmas on his fun parade from The Forum to his Christmas grotto in Jarrold, London Street. You can visit Father Christmas in the store every day until Christmas Eve.