I arrived at this year’s Thursford Christmas Spectacular with my head whirring in to-do lists and work deadlines. But as soon as the lights dimmed and the notes from two bagpipers filled the vast auditorium – transformed from a museum into a wonderland – I was caught up in all the cheer of the festive season.

For this Christmas extravaganza, now in its 48th year, is unadulterated escapism, from the moment the audience is encouraged to ‘sit back, uncross your arms and enjoy the show’ to the end, when we’re singing Auld Lang Syne at the top of our voices as glittery ticker tape rains down. 

As compère Lloyd Hollett reminds us in his quick-witted way, it’s no mean feat to put on this three-hour spectacle: 23 dancers; over 40 singers; a 32-piece orchestra – all performing across a 130ft stage – plus 240 front of house staff; an audience of 1400… Not to mention the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and a slick creative team led by Director and Producer John Cushing OBE. This is West End spec and then some, the talent is prodigious. 

The tempo of this year’s Spectacular is considered – each act flows seamlessly into the next – and the tone is light, though there are some more poignant moments, including a tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, albeit a joyous, jive-filled commemoration. Other highlights for me include the choir who take to the stage and the aisles bearing candles, singing a breadth of classic and contemporary numbers from carols to gospel. 

Their rendition of Nessun dorma gives me goosebumps, and I love the a cappella group’s mash-up of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Benjamin Ellin, is brilliant. So, of course, is Phil Kelsall MBE, who returns to Thursford for his 45th year and whose hands and feet fly across the Wurlitzer (which incidentally will be 100 next year), a sight magnified across five giant screens.

The dancers’ synchronicity and spirit is – as always – on point, whether they’re performing the poker-straight Toy Soldier Routine (made famous by The Rockettes), Irish jigging or tap dancing dressed as Father Christmas. The speciality acts are the best I’ve seen yet, from skipping quartet Centripetal Forces (the energy!) to German acrobats Duo LéOlé, pictured below, to handbalancer Vladislav Khvostik. 

And I haven’t even mentioned half of it. But my final shout-out must go to the costume department. I’m told that the feathers alone cost £60,000… Las Vegas eat your heart out. It feels apt that one of the biggest numbers at this year’s Spectacular is There’s No Business Like Show Business. Never a truer word said. 

But the dazzle doesn’t stop there. I highly recommend the Enchanted Journey of Light (which can be done separately or as an add-on with the Spectacular). The trail starts in the Fantasyland Building, where cute animatronic polar bears, penguins and seals star in snowclad scenes, culminating with a peek inside Santa’s toy factory where the elves are hard at work. 

Follow the path outside to a field of glowing statues, which this year has been given a joosh with new Christmas characters, bringing the number of illuminations to over 100. As you wander through an underwater kingdom, across the plains of Africa and into a magical land of sweets, it certainly feels bigger and brighter than before. Customers who purchase tickets to the Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey can also access the new adventure playground (for an additional fee). Built by Norfolk-based CAP.CO, the timber construction reimagines the magic of a vintage funfair with high-level walkways, bridges and tunnels, a giant Ferris Wheel and Helter Skelter. 

A sign at the entrance to the Spectacular declares this to be ‘The Largest Christmas Extravaganza in England’. Well, all I can say is, aren’t we lucky it’s in Norfolk?

Thursford Christmas Spectacular runs until 23 December, with performances at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets cost from £44. To book and for more information, visit www.thursford.com or call 01328 878477