Ipswich's huge Christmas tree will be put into place this week as the town gets ready to kick off its festive season.

The tree, which measures at over 40ft, will be taking pride of place on the Cornhill on Wednesday, November 13.

The tree's arrival along with Christmas lights being hung around the town, marks the start of the festive season for the town, with the official light switch-on this weekend.

The tree has once again been organised by Ipswich Central, with businesses in the town centre contributing towards the tree.

Lee Walker, Ipswich Central CEO said: "It’s thanks to our town centre businesses that a huge Christmas tree is located in pride of place on the Cornhill in the heart of Ipswich town centre.

"This year a real tree will again be installed and decorated, ready for the swich-on event this Sunday November 17.

"This festive season, as the county town of Suffolk, we are promoting Ipswich as the place to come with friends or family to enjoy our cultural, leisure and retail offer. 

"With lots of new shop openings recently and a big event being planned for December 14, there are many reasons to come into town in the lead up to Christmas 2024."

The light switch-on event, held on Sunday, will feature entertainment from Jack and The Beanstalk's pantomime cast and Ipswich Town star Leif Davis and CEO Mark Ashton will also be present.

The tree is to be installed earlier in the morning to avoid public disturbance and no road closures are in place. and remain in place until January 2025.

Elsewhere in the town, the bauble tree which has been based on the Waterfront for a number of years will no longer go up anymore after it was blown over by Storm Henk in January at the start of the year.