The countdown to Christmas is officially on in Norwich as thousands of people flocked to City Hall, despite the rain, to watch a West End star turn on the lights.

The switch-on took place at 7.15pm on Thursday (November 16), with entertainment from 5.30pm provided by the Framtastics Gymnastics Club, The Garage and Invidia Voices choir.

Father Christmas made an appearance too and a blessing was delivered by the Revd Canon Edward Carter from St Peter Mancroft Church.

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Eastern Daily Press: Father Christmas on the steps of Norwich City Hall Picture: Sonya DuncanFather Christmas on the steps of Norwich City Hall Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Giant inflatable 'snowballs' were also thrown out into the crowd, accompanied by a snow machine firing out white foam. 

READ MORE: Winter Wonderland Norwich cancels fireworks display

Elsewhere, there was a fairground on Gentleman's Walk and many city centre businesses had a boost in trade.

Eastern Daily Press: The crowd enjoying the snow machines at the Christmas lights event Picture: Sonya DuncanThe crowd enjoying the snow machines at the Christmas lights event Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Toby Westgarth, co-owner of Sir Toby's Beers on Norwich Market, said: "Most stalls have stayed open late and it is really busy which is great to see - we have served a lot of mulled wine."

The special guest switching on the lights was West End star Millie O’Connell, who was one of the original Queens in the hit musical Six. 

Eastern Daily Press: West End star Millie O'Connell switching on the Norwich Christmas lights Picture: Sonya DuncanWest End star Millie O'Connell switching on the Norwich Christmas lights Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

O’Connell will play the panto princess in Sleeping Beauty at Norwich Theatre Royal, which opens on December 9, and the Junior Ensemble also joined her on stage at the event. 

READ MORE: 7 of the best Norwich Christmas markets to visit in 2023

Eastern Daily Press: (L-R) Laima Liaudanske, Lilija Hithersay and Zivile Mingaila in front of the carousel in Norwich for the Christmas light switch-on (L-R) Laima Liaudanske, Lilija Hithersay and Zivile Mingaila in front of the carousel in Norwich for the Christmas light switch-on (Image: Newsquest)

She treated the crowd to a rendition of Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You before illuminating the city, accompanied by a fire and light show set off from the City Hall balcony. 

Eastern Daily Press: The lights go on at City Hall in Norwich Picture: Sonya DuncanThe lights go on at City Hall in Norwich Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

Zivile Mingaila, who lives in Norwich, said: "We have been before to watch the lights switch-on and we have come again because of the lovely atmosphere."

A notable absence this year is the Tunnel of Light on Hay Hill, which was unable to open due to the ongoing £3.2million redevelopment of the area. 

The 2023 lighting scheme, provided by Norwich BID with support from Norwich City Council, is 100pc LED and powered by 100pc renewable energy, with festive decor in more areas.