Big Christmas light switch-ons traditionally draw the crowds across Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: Singing carols at the Felixstowe Christmas lights switch on in 2003Singing carols at the Felixstowe Christmas lights switch on in 2003 (Image: Archant)

Sadly, this year couldn’t be quite the same as usual – but some events went virtual, such as the Ipswich switch-on, which was shared to get the festive season under way.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Cornhill and town centre aglow after the Christmas lights switch on in 2007Ipswich Cornhill and town centre aglow after the Christmas lights switch on in 2007 (Image: Archant)

Today we are looking back at switch-on events, Christmas trees and lights, including the big event held on Ipswich Cornhill each year.

Ipswich Star: Dreaming of a white Christmas on the Cornhill after the Ipswich Christmas lights switch-on in 2005Dreaming of a white Christmas on the Cornhill after the Ipswich Christmas lights switch-on in 2005 (Image: Archant)

Excited crowds of children regularly turn out to enjoy the event, which has included a wide range of entertainment over the years – and a sprinkling of magical snow.

Ipswich Star: Scouts putting money into the Evening Star Christmas Tree charity box on the Cornhill, Ipswich, in December 1985Scouts putting money into the Evening Star Christmas Tree charity box on the Cornhill, Ipswich, in December 1985 (Image: Archant)

Our gallery also features other switch-ons in Suffolk, which help to get everyone in the festive mood and also get the late-night shopping season started.

Ipswich Star: Switch on of Felixstowe Christmas lights in 2005Switch on of Felixstowe Christmas lights in 2005 (Image: Archant)

What are your memories of Christmas switch-ons? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to Judy Rimmer, Newsroom, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1RS. Order photos via our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: St Andrew Choir from Great Cornard sing carols at Sudbury's Christmas Lights switch on in 2009St Andrew Choir from Great Cornard sing carols at Sudbury's Christmas Lights switch on in 2009 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: A busy night on the Cornhill as the Christmas lights were switched on in 1984A busy night on the Cornhill as the Christmas lights were switched on in 1984 (Image: Archant)