The town council should receive a big pat on the back for ensuring Diss once again lights up the lives of its businesses and residents during these dark winter days.
It certainly makes a change from previous Christmases. especially last year when the town was lucky to have one bulb working.

Rick Wakeman must have hesitated for a moment on Friday when he flicked the switch after the farcical fusing of last year's event. I am sure he must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when they stayed on.

It is not just stars like Mr Wakeman who are showing faith in the town, councillor Jackie Talbot applauds the throngs of people who turned out with the same wish as herself –a bright Christmas period.

The buzz is not just for Christmas as anticipation is also growing for the return of the Diss carnival in June.

While our community has spent the Noughties looking longingly at neighbouring towns such as Attleborough and Wymondham as their residents have a summer knees up, Diss has had just the Proms in the Park to look forward to.

However, the sense of apathy which led to the carnival's cancellation seems to have finally vanished and the public and local businesses are ready to party once again.

So make some time and get involved with either the organisation of the carnival or by supporting such local events as the Zoot Money concert in the Corn Hall tomorrow night.

Remember the more you put into where you live, the more you will get out of living or working here.