Festive fans flocked to Attleborough for the town's annual Christmas Carnival and lights switch-on.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: The Christmas lights go on at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Christmas lights go on at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

On Sunday afternoon Queen's Square was transformed into a seasonal wonderland, with fairground rides, Santa's grotto and a dazzling display of Christmas lights.

Father Christmas arrived at his den at 2pm to meet his delighted fans and spread some winter cheer.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: The Christmas lights go on at St Mary's Church at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Christmas lights go on at St Mary's Church at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

At 4pm crowds met in Queen's Square to officially bless the town's 30ft Christmas tree, then flexed their vocal chords to perform traditional carols.

Town Mayor Vera Dale led festive events before the illuminating of Attleborough with the official light switch-on undertaken by John Ramm of Punctilio Propellers, who has sponsored Queen's Square, and Tracy Turner, who has sponsored the Christmas tree.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Louis Cossey, two, and his dad Ashley in the bubbles at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLouis Cossey, two, and his dad Ashley in the bubbles at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The sparkling lights are the result of hard work by the town's Christmas lights committee, including Joe Ellis and Elliot Ellis, who work with the Christmas Carnival committee.

Elliot Ellis said: 'We wanted to make the lights brighter, bigger and better but this of course comes at a heavy cost. The lights cost more than £20,000 in total and it takes many hours, so we are grateful to our sponsors.'

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: The Christmas lights go on at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Christmas lights go on at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Claire Stebbings, from Attleborough Christmas Carnival team, said: 'This event would not take place without the help and patronage of the people of Attleborough who attend and support this event every year, along with our local businesses who sponsor the event and many volunteers who make this event possible.

'We also would like to thank Attleborough Town Council, the fire brigade, police and emergency services for their help.'

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: The Christmas lights go on at St Mary's Church at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Christmas lights go on at St Mary's Church at the Attleborough Carnival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Four-year-old Darcy Andrews enjoying the tea cups ride at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFour-year-old Darcy Andrews enjoying the tea cups ride at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Members of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMembers of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Snowflakes, from left, Iris Howell, four; and sisters Scarlett, four and Amelia Lakutis, three, at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSnowflakes, from left, Iris Howell, four; and sisters Scarlett, four and Amelia Lakutis, three, at the Attleborough Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Members of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMembers of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Members of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMembers of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Members of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMembers of the Attleborough Players sing at the town's Christmas Carnival and lights switch on event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)