The countdown to Christmas begins across Suffolk with the switching on of town festive lights. 

Bury St Edmunds held its Christmas light switch on during Thursday evening, with large crowds gathering for a bit of festive magic.

Here we take a look back at photos from our archives of Christmas lights in Suffolk towns throughout the 21st century.

Read More: 5 major Christmas light switch on events in Suffolk you can't miss

Stowmarket Mercury: Brandon Christmas Lights in 2003Brandon Christmas Lights in 2003 (Image: Denise Bradley)

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Christmas Lights in 2004Ipswich Christmas Lights in 2004 (Image: Andy Abbott)

Stowmarket Mercury: Southwold Christmas Lights in 2005Southwold Christmas Lights in 2005 (Image: Simon Parker)

Stowmarket Mercury: Felixstowe Christmas Lights in 2006Felixstowe Christmas Lights in 2006 (Image: Phil Morley)Read More: All the free parking in East Suffolk this festive season

Stowmarket Mercury: Trimley St Mary Christmas Lights in 2007Trimley St Mary Christmas Lights in 2007 (Image: Phil Morley)

Stowmarket Mercury: Ipswich Christmas Lights in 2010Ipswich Christmas Lights in 2010 (Image: Phil Morley)

Stowmarket Mercury: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights in 2013Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights in 2013 (Image: Phil Morley)

Stowmarket Mercury: Sudbury Christmas Lights in 2013Sudbury Christmas Lights in 2013 (Image: Lucy Taylor)Read More: Can you spot yourself in our Christmas Light Switch on photos?

Stowmarket Mercury: Stowmarket Christmas Lights in 2015Stowmarket Christmas Lights in 2015 (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Stowmarket Mercury: Mildenhall Christmas Lights in 2015Mildenhall Christmas Lights in 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

Stowmarket Mercury: Woodbridge Christmas Lights in 2022Woodbridge Christmas Lights in 2022 (Image: Charlotte Bond)