IPSWICH: It seems to be getting earlier every year but already Christmas lights can be seen around the town.

While it may only be October – a time for ghosts, ghouls and pumpkins – Ipswich is beginning to gear up for Christmas celebrations.

All corners of the town will be completely decked out with boughs of holly by the end of today , as workers make the finishing touches to the town’s vast array of Christmas lights.

After the lights arrived in the town centre on Sunday evening, it was clear that Santa was coming to town – regardless of the fact that he isn’t due to stop by for another 58 days.

This year’s Christmas events in the town look set to be bigger and better than ever before, as organisers Ipswich Central prepare for a series of Santa spectaculars.

With the lights up and The Evening Star Christmas Tree set to twinkle by mid November, other events will see reindeers and Santas Grotto take to the the Cornhill.

Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central said: “The Christmas lights being fitted in the town centre are the first real sign that Christmas is well and truly on its way.

“We are very excited about the Christmas calendar of activity in town this year – The Evening Star Christmas tree will once again be the focal point for the Switch On which is all set for Thursday, November 18.

“This gives six late night Thursdays and five weekends before Christmas Day allowing shoppers to make the most of the Christmas shopping experience.

“In addition there will be a little bit of Lapland on the Cornhill on Sunday, December 5, – Santa will be bringing his grotto, real reindeer and snow to a backdrop of Christmas choirs to help create some festive cheer.”

A number of stores have been stocking wintery goodies ahead of schedule – with The Evening Star previously revealing that QD in Carr Street had been filling its shelves with a festive mix of baubles and crackers since August.

n Is it too early for Christmas lights or do you enjoy preparing for the festive period early? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN. Alternatively e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk