Sunday night marked the start of the festive season for Ipswich as the annual Christmas light switch-on took place.

The town saw performances from children from ArtFirst, Jack and the Beanstalk stars Louie Spence and Jamie Ryder and an interview with Ipswich Town Football Club player Massimo Luongo and chair and chief executive Mark Ashton.

Both answered questions from Mark Murphy about how they were looking forward to next Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

Ipswich's Christmas tree was turned on for the first time on Sunday night.Ipswich's Christmas tree was turned on for the first time on Sunday night. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Luongo said: “One of the biggest clubs in the world is coming to Ipswich and we’re going to give them a good show. “It will be a good game, it’s on TV on a Sunday, it will be amazing.”

Ipswich's mayor Elango Elavalaka turned the lights on, joined by special guests.

The crowds turned out in their numbers despite the rain.The crowds turned out in their numbers despite the rain. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

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Louie Spence and Jamie Ryder took the stageLouie Spence and Jamie Ryder took the stage (Image: Lucy Taylor)


Stephanie Mackentyre and mayor Elango ElavalakanStephanie Mackentyre and mayor Elango Elavalakan (Image: Lucy Taylor) The Cornhill was lit up and festive on Sunday eveningThe Cornhill was lit up and festive on Sunday evening (Image: Lucy Taylor) People braved the cold with lights to watch the switch-onPeople braved the cold with lights to watch the switch-on (Image: Lucy Taylor) Leif Davis and Mark Ashton joined in on the funMark Murphy interviewed Massimo Luongo and Mark Ashton as they joined in on the fun (Image: Lucy Taylor)
The high street twinkled in time for ChristmasThe high street twinkled in time for Christmas (Image: Lucy Taylor) Families came together to celebrate the beginning of ChristmasFamilies came together to celebrate the beginning of Christmas (Image: Lucy Taylor) The night was full of performancesThe night was full of performances (Image: Lucy Taylor) Stephanie Mackentyre and Rob Dunger of Suffolk SoundsStephanie Mackentyre and Rob Dunger of Suffolk Sounds (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Children from ArtFirst performed in front of a huge crowdChildren from ArtFirst performed in front of a huge crowd (Image: Lucy Taylor) Excitement as the children performExcitement as the children perform (Image: Lucy Taylor) Children dressed up ready for festivitiesThe young performers were dressed up ready for festivities (Image: Lucy Taylor) It was a wet and chilly nightIt was a wet and chilly night (Image: Lucy Taylor) Well done to everyone who took the stageWell done to everyone who took the stage (Image: Lucy Taylor) Sleeping Beauty will be at The Regent over ChristmasJack and the Beanstalk will take place at The Regent over Christmas (Image: Lucy Taylor) Jamie Ryder takes centre stageJamie Ryder takes centre stage (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Mr Elavalakan said: "As Mayor of Ipswich, it’s a true delight to see our town come alive with the magic of Christmas. The annual lights switch-on is a highlight for all of us, bringing joy and festive cheer to our community.