Great Yarmouth festive fair

Traditional festive crafts, an ice rink and even Santa's reindeer joined to spread seasonal cheer at Great Yarmouth's Christmas fair this weekend.

St Nicholas Church and churchyard were transformed into a Christmas market with more than 40 stalls selling locally-produced food, drink and gifts.

Santa's reindeer also took a break from their busy festive preparations to welcome young visitors to the town's 11th Christmas Fair.

In the Market Square, an artificial ice rink gave families the chance to skate outdoors for the first time in the event's history. There was also musical entertainment from local choirs and the Salvation Army brass band.

Yarmouth town centre manager Jonathan Newman said: 'The fair creates a great atmosphere in the town centre, and it gives it a bit of extra appeal to encourage people in from further afield.

'The local food and drink is always very popular, and we have some Norwegian stall holders at the fair who have been coming every year for the past 11 years, and they bring lots of crafts and speciality gifts.'

On Saturday evening, Norwegian choir the Lardal Kantori performed traditional carols at St Nicholas Church, marking their seventh consecutive Christmas performance in the town.

Conductor Kjell Hakestad said: 'We really enjoy our trips to Yarmouth, and the wonderful acoustics of St Nicholas Church makes singing there a fantastic experience.'

Late night shopping in Yarmouth continues every Wednesday until Christmas. There will also be entertainment in the town centre, and visits from Santa's reindeer every Wednesday evening. Free parking is available at the council-run town centre car parks every night from 4pm.