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Sparks fly at fun packed Diss Christmas lights switch-on

Simon Parkin

Published: 9:59 PM November 24, 2018 Updated: 7:51 AM October 7, 2020

Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on Picture: LUCY KAYNE - Credit: LUCY KAYNE

Father Christmas arriving on a neon lit fire engine, panto stars, snow machines ensured festive spirit and sparks flew as the Christmas lights were switched on in Diss.

Large crowds and families thronged into the Market Place to see the button pushed for the Christmas lights around the town.

The brightly lit vintage fire engine from Bressingham Stream Museum delivered Father Christmas along Mere Street to ahead of switch-on.

Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on Picture: LUCY KAYNE - Credit: LUCY KAYNE

Santa then joined the cast of Diss' own pantomime to push the on-switch with the Town Mayor and Parky the Bear bringing the town to light and sending showers of sparks high into the air from the stage.

Debbie Phillips, who was with her daughters Bella, 10, and Olivia, six, said: 'It's great fun and it is when the Christmas season really gets going. Its things like this that really bring a town like Diss together, proper community spirit.'

Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on Picture: LUCY KAYNE - Credit: LUCY KAYNE

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Earlier crowds had been entertained by members of Dick Whittington, this year's panto at Diss Corn Hall, including King Rat who encouraged the crowd into ever louder boos and hisses to play up his baddie credentials.

The on-stage entertainment included live music performers with Joe Aiken, Kayleigh Band, an ABBA tribute band and carol singing from local school children to get the town in the seasonal spirit.

Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on Picture: LUCY KAYNE - Credit: LUCY KAYNE

Magician Ali Shazan and a neon-lit juggler also took to the stage to work their magic. Diss radio station 'Park Radio' hosted the event and playing the festive tunes.

The grand lights switch-on in the Market Place was the highlight of a day of festive fun including Christmas shopping and entertainment starting from early afternoon.

Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on Picture: LUCY KAYNE - Credit: LUCY KAYNE

Festive and fairytale characters mingled with the crowd, as did the panto Dame will youngsters delighted in getting covered in soapy flakes from a snow machine outside the Waterfront Inn.

The hundreds could not fail to be put into the festive mood. There are lots to eat and drink with plenty of seasonal refreshments; from German chocolates and delicious doughnuts to hog roasts, German sausages and even a special fish finger sandwich.