Feeling festive - Christmas celebrations around Suffolk over the years

A Carol Service at Hadleigh in December 1965 (Image: Archant)

Sadly, this year's celebrations have had to be on a much smaller scale than those in years gone by, and some events had to go virtual.

Meeting the reindeer in Ipswich town centre in 2010 (Image: Archant)

But today we are remembering get-togethers in previous years - including visits by the man in red, Santa, to an amazing range of events around the area.

Members of Ipswich Round Table outside Ipswich Town Hall, for the official send-off of Rudolph, the fundraising reindeer, in December 1972 (Image: Archant)

In 2010, real reindeer were a special attraction on the Cornhill in Ipswich, while children had also been able to meet Father Christmas at a host of grottos and festive fairs.

Santa's Grotto at Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds in 2009 (Image: Archant)

Of course, it's not all about Santa, though, and our gallery also features children's parties and carol services, as well as a festive performance by Suffolk Soul Singers.

Suffolk Soul Singers entertaining with carols in Ipswich town centre in 2010 (Image: Archant)

If our photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

Santa's Grotto at Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds in 2008 (Image: Archant)

A children's party at the Richard Garrett works in Leiston in December 1973 (Image: Archant)

To order photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.