A LOOK back at Christmas past fills Turning Back the Clock this week as we remember how Lowestoft has previously marked the festive period.Today, blue lights form the shape of a Christmas tree and brighten London Road North for late night shoppers dashing from shop-to-shop for last-minute bargains.

A LOOK back at Christmas past fills Turning Back the Clock this week as we remember how Lowestoft has previously marked the festive period.

Today, blue lights form the shape of a Christmas tree and brighten London Road North for late night shoppers dashing from shop-to-shop for last-minute bargains.

In 1982, the lights were woven across the pedestrian walkway, with snowmen lit up outside Burton's menswear. This year, the lights were switched on by former Neighbours and Emmerdale favourite Anne Charleston, who is starring in the pantomime Cinderella at the Marina Theatre.

In 1992, the responsibility fell on Miss Lowestoft Magdelena Bestard to perform the big switch-on. That year twinkly bulbs, lights in the form of reindeers and tinsel were strung from side to side of the street.

Another popular Christmas tradition sees members of the public join with professionals to take to local stages and perform. Nativities, pantomimes and other festive productions spring up across the region, with crowds flocking to enjoy a show with their family.

In December 1970, HMS Pinafore was presented at Denes High School. This picture from our archives shows a scene on the famous ship's quarter deck.

This year, the sight of tankers off the coast of Lowestoft and Southwold dominated headlines. But at the end of 1967, Lowestoft's quaysides were lined with a very different type of vessel. This photograph, from Boxing Day, shows the fleet, which used to comprise more than 100 vessels, remaining in port as fishermen treated themselves to a welcome Christmas break.