Thousands flocked to the city centre on Thursday evening for the 2024 Christmas lights switch-on.

The event was lively as ever, full of festive singalongs, fake snow and fairground rides.

Large crowds gathered for this year's eventLarge crowds gathered for this year's event (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Father Christmas himself made a very special appearanceFather Christmas himself made a very special appearance (Image: Sonya Duncan)

YouTube star Leon Mallett took to the City Hall stageYouTube star Leon Mallett took to the City Hall stage (Image: Sonya Duncan) Several other local talents also took turns at working the crowdSeveral other local talents also took turns at working the crowd (Image: Sonya Duncan) Entertainment was provided on the City Hall stage by the viral East Anglian Boy star Leon Mallett, singer Juliet and Triple Threat Theatre.

The Catton Grove Allstars hosted a disco and Framtastics Gymnastics also performed an exciting set.

The Nimmo Twins star Owen Evans turned on the lightsThe Nimmo Twins star Owen Evans turned on the lights (Image: Sonya Duncan)

He is also starring as the dame in the Aladdin panto at Norwich Theatre Royal this ChristmasHe is also starring as the dame in the Aladdin panto at Norwich Theatre Royal this Christmas (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Crowds were covered in a dusting of fake snowCrowds were covered in a dusting of fake snow (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The lights were formally switched on at 7.05pm by the local comedian Owen Evans, who is known for being half of the double act The Nimmo Twins.

He will also be starring as the Dame in this year's pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Hundreds enjoyed the entertainment along Gentleman's Walk and the new Canopy of Light in Hay Hill, and many Norwich Market stalls stayed open late to cater to the crowds.

Plenty of fun was on offer for the whole familyPlenty of fun was on offer for the whole family (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Many enjoyed looking up at the new Canopy of Light in Hay HillMany enjoyed looking up at the new Canopy of Light in Hay Hill (Image: Sonya Duncan)