Christmas has officially arrived in Ipswich as the town's 50ft tree now stands outside the town hall. 

A sense of festive joy filled the high street as crowds gathered to watch the real tree be put into place on the Cornhill for the fifth year in a row on Sunday.

Ipswich Star: Sunday saw the tree put up on the CornhillSunday saw the tree put up on the Cornhill (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

Its arrival is the first sign of the festive period in Ipswich, preceding the much-anticipated Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday, November 17, at 6.45pm.

November 17 will also mark the first late night shopping Thusday.

Winter markets and a free ice rink, which will be set up on the Cornhill between December 8-15, are also among the events Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council has announced for the town this year. 

Then, into December, on Sunday 4 a winter artisan and producer market will take place, made up of produce from Suffolk farmers, with a Christmas twist.

Ipswich Star: The tree had to be trimmed in preparation for its unveilingThe tree had to be trimmed in preparation for its unveiling (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

Chris Barnard from Ipswich Central said: "It's great to see so many fun, family activities this Christmas in the Town Centre, especially in light of the difficult times we've experienced in the last few years.

"We hope that people can enjoy these free events and bring some Christmas cheer to the town."