People head to Fakenham for Christmas light switch on

The Christmas lights were switched on on Saturday, for many marking the start of the season's festivities.

Fakenham Events Committee who put on the Christmas Fayre event (Image: Mark Campbell)

The Christmas Fayre was put together by the Fakenham Events Committee. It was held all day at the Market Place and beyond, with an array of entertainment.

There were also 39 market stalls, selling a mix of crafts and food for residents to enjoy until the lights were switched on at 5.30pm, by 10-year-old Tyler Hawes, who won the Elf Trail - a competition held to decide who would press the button.

Tyler led a candlelit procession of children from the parish church to the main stage where the lights were turned on.

Tyler Hawes who won the Elf Trail and got to turn the lights on, accompanied by his sister Charlotte (Image: Mark Campbell)

The main stage hosted music and dance groups all day, including the 1st Academy of Dance, and Fakenham Infant and Junior School Choir, who sang their hearts out.

There were two sets by local groups, Never 2L8 and Copper Firefly and the Fakenham Town band played through until the lights were switched on.

Ali Hamman, at the Crown, hosted Father Christmas who was kept busy with floods of children, all free thanks to the team at the pub.

People in Fakenham for the Christmas light switch on event (Image: Mark Campbell)

Mark Campbell, one of the members of the committee, said: “It was a superb turnout. The Grinch was outstanding and kept everyone entertained throughout the afternoon.

“The committee wants to say a massive thank you to Peter Hamilton and his sound system, a regular in helping the events committee, family and friends who acted as stewards throughout the day, all the stall holders and the people of Fakenham who packed out the town for this event.

“Work has already started for next year.”

The Grinch at Fakenham's Christmas light switch on event (Image: Mark Campbell)