A town's Christmas lights switch-on will honour the legacy of a campaigner who fought tirelessly to boost Bungay.

For a number of years, Lucy Walker organized the Christmas lights switch on, but after her death in July, Bungay Town Council stepped in and began to plan in her memory.

Mrs Walker was instrumental in launching the Better in Bungay brand as part of efforts to rid the town of its "quaint" perception and transform it into a "bustling and vibrant" destination. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Lucy Walker was hailed as a "real tour de force in getting things done" in Bungay.

She also organized Bungay’s artisan market at the Buttercross, with the first taking place days after her death. 

Town mayor Tony Dawes said: “The lights are now all low-power, including the Tree of Lights, which is now named Lucy’s Tree of Lights in memory of Lucy Walker.

"Lucy was the main force behind Bungay Christmas Lights for a number of years.  

“We have to say a big thank you to Roy, John, Roger, Frances, and Ben for their help in putting up the lights.” 

This year's Christmas lights switch-on will be on Friday November 18 from 3.30pm. 

There will be live performances from a local swing band, Bungay choir, Fisher Youth Theatre and William Drew Batty. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The winning picture from the Bungay Christmas lights photography competition 2018, taken by David Somerville

Park Radio will be hosting the event from the Bungay Buttercross, playing a medley of festive music from 3.30pm.  

The Buttercross, Cross street and St Mary’s Church will be full of stalls, while children’s activities will take place, including the Spot the Odd One Out window competition, with 45 shops displaying something they do not sell in the shop window.

Father Christmas is also set to visit.

This year Bungay’s Christmas light display has been funded by Bungay Town Council, Bungay Events and Business Association, the Bungay Town Trust, Musker and McIntyre, and East Suffolk Council.  

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Bungay Christmas Lights switch on 2019. PHOTO: Andrew Atterwill

Joanna McIntyre, from sponsors Musker McIntyre, said: "We are delighted to support financially for the second year running the Bungay Christmas Lights Switch on.   

“It is now more important than ever to help our communities and give something back.   

“It will be wonderful to see the lovely people of Bungay out and about enjoying themselves under the Christmas lights again this year.”