Market towns across south Norfolk are preparing to light up their high streets and celebrate the start of festive season in style, despite the gloom of the recession.
Market towns across south Norfolk are preparing to light up their high streets and celebrate the start of festive season in style, despite the gloom of the recession.
BBC Look East reporter and newsreader Mike Liggins was this week announced as the mystery guest who will be switching on the Diss Christmas lights next week.
The news that the broadcast journalist will be attending the festive lights celebrations follows a fresh appeal by town leaders for local traders to contribute to the annual festivities.
It comes after a total of only �250 was donated by three businesses after Diss Town Council asked for a donation towards the illuminations.
The town council, which has spent �10,000 on this year's Christmas lights, has warned that it may not continue funding them if they are not supported by traders.
Mr Liggins, who was been reporting for BBC Look East since 1987, will be switching on the Diss lights in the Market Place at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 26.
Town clerk Deborah Sarson said on Monday that the town council had received another three donations from businesses since its fresh appeal last week.
Next weekend, the Christmas lights in Attleborough will be illuminated following a carnival procession on Sunday, November 29, which will be led by Santa Claus at 2pm. The town's lights will be switched on by mayor Vera Dale at 3.45pm.
On Thursday, December 3, the Wymondham Lions club will once again be staging a Dickensian Evening to mark the town's Christmas lights celebrations.
Father Christmas will be arriving in the town centre at 6pm, which will be followed by mayor Peter Broome turning on the Wymondham lights at 6.30pm.
The following night, African drumming, an ice sculpture, and larger than life snowmen, will welcome the Harleston Christmas Lights on Friday December 4.
The town's lights will be switched on by Santa Claus at 6.30pm in the market square.
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