Smiles, laughter and festivities could be seen at Diss's Christmas light switch-on as the event saw hundreds of families fill the town.

Diss Mercury: The cast of this year's Corn Hall panto Robin Hood at Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonThe cast of this year's Corn Hall panto Robin Hood at Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

The streets of Diss were filled with bright lights, as families from in and around the town attended its popular Christmas event.

Special guests took to the stage in the Market place, including Father Christmas and the cast of this year's Corn Hall panto Robin Hood, who sang 'Let it Snow' and 'Santa Claus is coming to town' before the main event.

Diss Mayor Sonia Browne also took the opportunity to say a few words. She said: "It is lovely to see everybody here you are all smiling, there is so much to see and do.

"I just wish you all a very merry Christmas filled with peace love and happiness."

Diss Mercury: Mayor of Diss Sonia Brown at the Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonMayor of Diss Sonia Brown at the Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

Children of all ages enjoyed the brightly lit vintage fire engine from Bressingham Stream Museum, queuing up to have their photos taken alongside it.

Donna and Rob Mace and their two children, from Diss, have been coming to the town's Christmas light switch-on for the last four years. Mrs Mace said: "We are from Diss and we come every year, but it has been a lot busier this year.

"It's a nice feeling everyone being together, it's a small town and you see everyone you know it's great."

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.

Diss Mercury: Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonScenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

Live music filled the streets, which saw families dancing and singing to performances from Joe Aiken, Groovapolitan, Ramblers Celidh Band and Ellen Fairey, along with Park Radio, which hosted the event and played festive tunes.

Margaret Stace, from Diss, said: "We love it. I have come this year but the kids come every year. We love the lights and seeing Santa.

"It brings everybody together and you see Diss full of people enjoying themselves its brilliant."

And if they were not near the stage enjoying the entertainment, families were enjoying seasonal food and drink that warmed them up during the cold weather. After the Christmas light switch-on, mayor Sonia Browne said: "It has been a great event and as my first time as mayor. I always love being around the community, having a dance and sing and talking with them.

Diss Mercury: Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonScenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

"People are having fun and enjoying themselves. This year it is very busy."

Diss Mercury: Margaret Stace, watching over her friend's children at the front of the main stage at Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonMargaret Stace, watching over her friend's children at the front of the main stage at Diss's Christmas light switch-on 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

Diss Mercury: Groovapolitan entertaining the crowds at Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonGroovapolitan entertaining the crowds at Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Archant)

Diss Mercury: Scenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily ThomsonScenes around Diss as the Christmas Lights were officially switched on in 2019. Photo: Emily Thomson (Image: Emily Thomson)