Stunning pictures capture Christmas in Ipswich over the last 60 years

The festive season has arrived in Coes with their annual Christmas window display Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

But over the years, the way people living in the town celebrate the big day - and the run up to it - has changed.

This gallery explores photographs in our archives from years gone by.

Christmas Craft Market at Ipswich Cornhill Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Back in 1963, the Cornhill was not yet pedestrianised and so classic cars are parked in the main shopping district.

Ipswich town centre with a dominance of national stores back in 2007 Picture: ARCHANT

Grimwades and the Golden Lion Hotel, which have both since closed, can be seen in the background.

Christmas lights used over the decades have also evolved - with more colourful designs featuring in older pictures and brighter, more complex patterns used today.

The real Cornhill Christmas tree in all its glory. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The artificial bauble tree - which lights up in various different colours - had its heyday on the Cornhill in the early 2010s, with the real tree arriving in 2017, after a long-fought campaign to bring it back.

The Mayor of Ipswich posing with the Christmas tree in 1984, shortly after it was officially switched on Picture: RICHARD SNASDELL

Christmas also wouldn't be the same without the annual Co-op Juniors performance, which have drawn in huge crowds over the decades and remain a festive staple for many to this day.

Shops which have since disappeared from the town centre also appear in our gallery - you should be able to spot big names such as the Co-op, Next and British Home Stores.

Christmas carols being sung on the Town Hall steps Picture: IVAN SMITH

Earlier photographs, from the 1960s, show even older firms such as Cowells and Watney's Ales.

Busy night on the Cornhill as the Christmas lights were switched on Picture: RICHARD SNASDELL

- Have you celebrated Christmas in Ipswich in years gone by? Send your photographs and thoughts to us via email, or comment below.

Christmas lights in Buttermarket, Ipswich, December 1967. Picture: ARCHANT

Christmas lights in Buttermarket, Ipswich, December 1967. Picture: ARCHANT

Christmas lights put up around Ipswich town centre Picture: SUZANNE DAY

The Cornhill after the Christmas lights were officially switched on in 1996 Picture: JOHN KERR

Rudolph and Father Christmas leaving the Cornhill ahead of the big day in 1988 Picture: ARCHANT

Busy night of late night Christmas shopping in 1994 as the Ipswich Christmas lights were officially switched on Picture: RICHARD SNASDELL

The staff at the sorting office dealing with the rush of Christmas mail in 1988 Picture: ARCHANT

Bobby Robson switching on the Tower Ramparts Christmas Lights in 1986 Picture: ARCHANT

The Cornhill during the 2018 Christmas lights switch on Picture: IPSWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people came to watch the annual Ipswich Christmas lights switch on in 2019 Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)