Coronavirus concerns have led to Felixstowe's annual Christmas lights switch on show, being cancelled.

Organisers Felixstowe Lions Club, supported by the town council, still pan to have lights to attract thousands to the resort so visitors can enjoy festive entertainment and browse the shops and craft market to mark the festive season.

President of the Lions Club of Felixstowe, Richard Woolnough, said: "We are sorry to announce that we cannot hold our normal switch-on of the Christmas lights this year as the safety of the crowd is paramount and it is very unlikely that Government guidelines will be so relaxed as to allow thousands to gather together by the end of November.

"So, our stage and entertainment scheduled for 29th November on the Triangle in Felixstowe will not take place. However, we have worked for many weeks to get the Christmas Lights ready and we have every intention of erecting the whole display.

"We have invited the Mayor to switch them on on behalf of the town, but the date and time will not be advertised. It is hoped it will be sooner than our normal end of November date if the weather allows us to complete installing the lights to schedule.

"None of us would have wanted this dreadful pandemic but this town has worked amazingly well together, and it has brought us all closer together as a great team."

Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Mark Jepson, said: "Whilst the cancellation of the switch on will not come as a surprise to anyone – given the huge crowds this brilliant festival pulls in – it is a shame that yet another of our much-loved annual events won't be happening in 2020.

"However, the display itself will still bring great Christmas cheer to the town, thanks to the determined efforts of the Lions Club of Felixstowe whose members do such a great job designing, installing, maintaining and homing the lights year-after-year."