An A-list comedian will switch on Marlow’s Christmas lights this year, it has been confirmed.

Russell Brand will be this year’s celebrity guest at the popular annual light-switch on, which will take place on Thursday, November 23.

The Bucks and Marlow Free Press reported last week that the comedian was rumoured to take part in the switch-on, but Marlow Town Council did not confirm if this was true.

The council confirmed today (Tuesday) that the Henley-on-Thames resident would illuminate the town’s lights display at the Switch on and Shop event.

Mr Brand will turn on the lights from the top deck of a London bus outside The Chequers pub in the High Street at around 6.30pm, lighting up the Christmas tree on the Causeway as well as the many smaller trees and garlands of lights around the town, as Marlow FM and carol singers keep crowds entertained.

Marlow mayor Cllr Jocelyn Town said: “We’re delighted that Russell has agreed to help launch our Christmas season in Marlow this year.

“He’s an active participant in local events and we’re so happy he was able to fit Switch On and Shop into his busy schedule this year.”

Shops will be open late and there will be special promotions, offers and Christmas displays throughout the town.

The event starts at 6pm, with the High Street closed to traffic from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for the switch-on ceremony.

Baking queen Mary Berry performed the honour last year, after actor Tom Chambers in 2013, Tom Kerridge the year after and Sir Steve Redgrave in 2015.