As Ipswich geared up for Christmas in 1986, shoppers not only had the festive fairyland of lights to attract them to the town centre – but a brand new shopping complex.

Ipswich Star: Bobby Robson signed autographs for all the fans as he switched on the Christmas lights at Tower Ramparts Picture: ARCHANTBobby Robson signed autographs for all the fans as he switched on the Christmas lights at Tower Ramparts Picture: ARCHANT

Tower Ramparts - developed on the site of the old secondary school of the same name - was the town's first undercover complex, featuring a range of shops.

Ipswich Star: Did you attend the event at Tower Ramparts in 1986? Picture: OWEN HINESDid you attend the event at Tower Ramparts in 1986? Picture: OWEN HINES (Image: Archant)

Bobby Robson was special guest to switch on the new centre's Christmas lights.

Ipswich Star: Crowds gather on the Cornhill to watch the Christmas lights switch on Picture: PAUL NIXONCrowds gather on the Cornhill to watch the Christmas lights switch on Picture: PAUL NIXON

Other events taking place around the town - captured by Ipswich Star photographers Ivan Smith, Owen Hines and Paul Nixon - included the annual fireworks at Christchurch Park, pupils at Ranelagh Primary School enjoying a day of dressing as their favourite book characters as they celebrated Book Week, and a sponsored run held by the Boys' Brigade.

Ipswich Star: Crowds endure the cold weather to watch the annual fireworks display in Christchurch Park Picture: PAUL NIXONCrowds endure the cold weather to watch the annual fireworks display in Christchurch Park Picture: PAUL NIXON

Do you remember these events or recognise anyone in our gallery? To share your memories, email imagecurators@archant.co.uk

Ipswich Star: The children of Ranelagh School dressed up as their favourite book character for Book Week Picture: OWEN HINESThe children of Ranelagh School dressed up as their favourite book character for Book Week Picture: OWEN HINES

Ipswich Star: Members of the Boys Brigade held a running event to raise money for charity Picture: OWEN HINESMembers of the Boys Brigade held a running event to raise money for charity Picture: OWEN HINES

Ipswich Star: Duelling action as Northgate Sports Centre put on fencing matches Picture: IVAN SMITHDuelling action as Northgate Sports Centre put on fencing matches Picture: IVAN SMITH