Diss Christmas lights switch on brings hundreds to town centre

Crowds of people took to the streets at the weekend as the November blues were banished by a tinsel-like twinkling that rendered Diss brighter than a brandy-buttered Christmas pudding.

The (snow) ball began rolling at noon on Saturday, as people turned out in their droves to mark the official countdown to Christmas.

With Park Radio providing the music and the cast of Cinderella milling with the crowds, Santa made his way to the Market Place in a fire engine donated by Bressingham Steam Museum, before being joined a number of helpers to turn on the town’s Christmas lights at 5.15pm.

Norfolk funny man Ben Langley, who compered the event and was one of those invited to press the plunger to switch on the lights, said it was a fabulous occasion.

“It was a wonderful day, and so well put together by the town council,” he said.

“There was such a great variety of food and stalls, and the activities at the United Reformed Church were very popular with visitors. Park Radio did a great job of supporting the event too and we had a packed town centre.

“With lots of empty units along Mere Street, I think it was really what the town needed – having the streets jam-packed with people, all having a lovely time. It was a fabulous occasion.

“I’m always so pleased to be invited to this sort of event,” added the 49-year-old comedian from Tacolneston, who shot to fame after appearing on national television in 2018.

“I was able to do my Britain’s Got Talent routine and help push the plunger to light up the town. It’s great to be a part of that, but it’s really the people attending and the volunteers who make it a success.”