The town will be lit up at 5.45pm by comic TV hotelier "Basil Fawlty" after a children's lantern procession in the "snow" led by Santa in his sleigh.

Seasonal celebrations will start early with free parking all day and lots of shopping. A seven-hour programme of entertainment for all ages is planned from 1pm.

Children can visit Santa in his grotto at the Princess Theatre, listen to storyteller Tilly Talemaker and meet Wishy-Washy and other characters from this year's panto, Aladdin.

For older youngsters, there will be a mobile skateboard ramp on St Edmund's Terrace, a climbing wall and the entertaining antics of the Extreme Pogo Stick Riders to enjoy.

For the hungry, there will be a continental market and food stalls in High Street and an open-air barbecue.

For everyone else, the list of attractions goes on and on. Basil Fawlty impersonator; Snow machines creating a winter wonderland feel; DJ playing live music all afternoon; Traction engines; mini car convoy; Second world war DUKW "Dervina"; Hunstanton Concert Band; carol-singing by the Lavender Hill Mob; Searles Christmas land train to and from car parks; craft fair in the Town Hall; festive gift shop in the Coal Shed Gallery in Le Strange Terrace; funfair and rides.

Hunstanton and District Chamber of Trade chairman, Mr Paul Beal, told the Lynn News: "The ceremony promises to be spectacular.

"Members have worked with West Norfolk Council to come up with a cracking idea to get the festive season kick-started."

West Norfolk Council leader Cllr Nick Daubney added: "We have enjoyed working to make this year's festivities really special.