It's back!Years of tradition will be re-established in Ipswich this Yule Tide with the return of the Evening Star town centre Christmas Tree.

IPISWICH: It's back!

Years of tradition will be re-established in Ipswich this Yule Tide with the return of the Evening Star town centre Christmas Tree.

After one season's absence the tree will take pride of place on the Cornhill in a new position outside the town hall.

With the council building lit up to provide a dramatic back-drop to the tree - the biggest ever - festive shoppers will also be treated to extra Christmas lights and a host of other events.

Late night opening will take place every Thursday from November 19 with a different theme each week - ranging from treasure hunts and cookery demonstrations to stilt walkers and mini pantomimes.

The Christmas light switch on will take place that night with the illuminations lighting up in a staggered style as Father Christmas passes by on his sleigh.

Meanwhile, the Star's giant Christmas Tree in Tower Ramparts will also make a return to wow shoppers and add to the festive feeling.

Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central, said: “We are pleased to be announcing this package of events and activities for Christmas 2009 in Ipswich.

“Both ourselves and Ipswich Borough Council have learned a great deal over the course of the last few years and feel that the town's shoppers, and the retailers, need to get more from Christmas promotions than just one switch-on event can offer.”

Richard Atkins, of Ipswich Borough Council, added: “We are looking forward to this year's programme.

“In Ipswich we like to set trends, not follow them, and I am sure people will enjoy the extra bit of magic on offer during the festive period.”

Are you pleased to see the tree return? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

IPSWICH Central executive director Paul Clement is promising a bigger and better festive build up than ever.

He said: “The switch-on became a victim of its own success and had got so big that, last year, many people who had queued for some while then found that they could not get on to the Cornhill to enjoy it.

“This year we have taken this into consideration and devised a programme of events which is spread over the town and over five Thursday evenings so that everyone can get involved and the atmosphere continues each week, right up until Christmas.”

As part of the new line-up, Ipswich Central together with Ipswich Borough Council is providing upgrades to the existing festive lights, plus new displays to the Waterfront area.

Mr Clement said: “I am particularly delighted that, together with the Evening Star, we are bringing the traditional Christmas Tree back to the Cornhill, this year in a new position directly in front of the Town Hall, which will be lit behind it for extra effect.”