Father Christmas himself turned up to switch on Thorpe St Andrew's lights at a fun family event on the town's River Green.

Norwich Evening News: Thorpe St Andrew Christmas lights switch-on.Town Mayor John Ward with the reindeer.Thorpe St Andrew Christmas lights switch-on.Town Mayor John Ward with the reindeer. (Image: Archant)

The annual event, on Sunday, was hosted by town crier Martin Payne, who kept the crowd on the temporarily-pedestrianised Yarmouth Road abreast of the running order with his bell and booming voice.

Entertainment on the night was provided by DJs from Radio Norwich, while local musicians played their versions of traditional Christmas songs, which culminated in a mass carol sing along just before the lights were switched on. A Rock Choir wowed the crowds with renditions of classic songs such as Coldplay's Viva La Vida and Annie Lennox's Walking on Broken Glass, and stalls were set up all the way from the Rushctters pub, which donated its car park to be used for stalls, down to Harley's barber shop.

Families enjoyed a range of food stalls, business marquees, fairground rides and the Thorpe St Andrew Town Council beer tent.

But the show was arguably stolen by two reindeer, brought along to meet the crowds by Amber Risby. They were happy to meet children, being excitedly fed and photographed by those in attendance.

A spokesman for the town council said: 'It was to the delight of many locals that the Buck public house had been re-opened in time for the event following a change of ownership which has led it to be closed in recent months. They seemed to be doing a roaring trade with people pleased to see the return of the iconic meeting point of the local community.

'Thorpe Parish Church also held a Christingle service, while the Riverbank Hair and Beauty Salon overlooking the river seemed to be another popular stop-off point for visitors.'

Do you have a Thorpe St Andrew story? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772474 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk