CHRISTMAS is starting early in Ipswich this year – with a special unveiling and the arrival of a festive icon.

Ipswich’s brand new Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm on Sunday – and there will also be an extra treat making the Cornhill glow even brighter this year.

Shipped in specially, tried and tested in a secret location and erected over the course of the weekend, organisers are promising an exciting and unique addition to entice visitors to the town.

Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council confirmed that the present to be unwrapped will be a Christmas tree – but not as you know it.

Ipswich Central chief executive Paul Clement said: “We’ve worked exceptionally hard to find something which will mark Ipswich out as a progressive, innovative and forward-thinking town. There’s no doubt that our Christmas decorations, and our tree in particular, will ensure that these statements are met.

“There’s nowhere else in the region that will have seen anything like this before.”

Places are limited on the Cornhill, so shoppers are advised to get there early or risk missing out – only 5,000 members of the crowd will be lucky enough to witness the unveiling.

The fantastic new lights – which cost �100,000 and are the best in the region – will be dotted around the town centre and down to the Waterfront.

Ipswich borough councillor Carole Jones said: “We’re all excited to see our investment come to life and for the public reaction.”

Festivities will kick off at noon on Sunday. A full listing of entertainment can be found on www.allaboutipswich.com or in The Ipswich Star on Friday.

And the festive fun doesn’t stop there – the holidays really are coming to Ipswich this year, with a classic Christmas icon set to stop off in the town. The Coca-Cola Christmas truck will be at the Town Hall forecourt on Monday, from 11am to 7pm.

Families are welcome to go along for a drink, to have a picture taken with the iconic truck, or listen to the Coca-Cola brass band.

n One lucky Christmas hero will receive a visit from the Coca-Cola truck just in time for Christmas.

The search has been on for one special person who spreads happiness in the community – and the votes are now in.

The winner will receive an incredible Christmas experience – on November 28 the truck will stop off to visit the nominated hero and their family, bringing gifts of shopping vouchers, a Christmas hamper, an iPad mini and theatre vouchers.

Don’t forget to send your Christmas photos and video to us via suffolk.iwitness24.co.uk