The Christmas spirit has finally arrived in Ipswich as a real tree has been installed once again on the Cornhill.

Standing more than 50-feet tall, the tree, which comes from the Elveden Estate in Suffolk, has been paid for by businesses around Ipswich town centre.

Ipswich Star: John Loades overseeing the installation of the Christmas Tree on the CornhillJohn Loades overseeing the installation of the Christmas Tree on the Cornhill (Image: Archant)

The reaction on social media has been positive, with many pleased that the town has invested in a real rather than an abstract tree, unlike the one that graced the town in 2016 and is currently displayed on the Waterfront.

One commenter said they "love a real tree, and this is an amazing one," while another added "oh I love it already, a real one is so much more Christmassy."

Ipswich Star: The modern tree from 2016 has already gone up by the waterfrontThe modern tree from 2016 has already gone up by the waterfront (Image: Archant)

Councillor Sarah Barber, Portfolio Holder for the Town Centre, said: "The traditional Christmas tree, provided by Ipswich Central, is now up on the Cornhill which means Christmas is well and truly coming to Ipswich.

"The lights and decorations will soon all be up and on, and we hope they, along with the exciting late-night shopping entertainment on the Cornhill, will bring some festive cheer to people in the run up to the holidays."

"Tickets for our drive-through events will be available to book from 7pm this evening – giving people who might be unable to visit on foot the opportunity to see the lights from the comfort of their cars.

"I urge those wanting to attend to get in quick as tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out more, visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/christmas-is-coming-to-ipswich-2021.”

Ipswich Star: Christmas lights have gone up all around town, including here on Upper Brook StreetChristmas lights have gone up all around town, including here on Upper Brook Street (Image: Timothy Bradford)

Coinciding with the tree going up and the start of the festive season, from this week many shops in Ipswich town centre will remain until as late as 9pm on Thursdays.

This includes the Fair Trade Shop, Lush, M&S, TK Maxx, Primark, Wilco, and Superdrug. In addition, a number of shops will be open until 8pm, including Joules, B&M and Hotel Chocolat.

They will be keeping this up every Thursday until Christmas, giving people who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to visit an opportunity to shop in town.