Hundreds of people flocked to the Suffolk coast to see a town come to life for Christmas.

The countdown to the big festive day began in Southwold on Saturday, November 30, as the town celebrated its light switch on. 

The event was organised by small independent group Light Up Southwold and featured performances from local choirs and bands. 

The group was formed to make the seaside town a destination to celebrate over the festive period.

The event was organised by Light Up SouthwoldThe event was organised by Light Up Southwold (Image: Harrier Aerial Photography)

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After an afternoon full of music, speeches and the arrival of Santa from the North Pole, the town was lit up in a stunning display of lights at 5pm. 

A spokesperson for Light Up Southwold said: "Thank you to everyone who came to our switch on event and made the day so memorable."

Photos captured at the swich on show huge crowds gathered in the high street to watch the display come to life.

A Just Giving page has also been set up to continue to raise funds and support to make the Christmas light switch on in Southwold bigger and better each year.