THE countdown is on as Wycombe prepares to get the festive season in full swing this evening, when Paddington Bear is set to bathe the town in a Christmassy glow.

The children’s favourite - who is about to appear on the big screen in a movie featiuring Colin Firth - will press the plunger at 6.45pm to turn on the town's festive lights and begin the countdown to Christmas.

Organisers, the High Wycombe Business Improvement District Company, say it chose to recruit the bear from Darkest Peru for the switch-on this year to mark the fact that Christmas is a time for children.

And it says there wll be a strong family theme running throughout the event.

Father Christmas and his reindeer will be stationed beneath the Guildhall in the High Street, while the stars of the Wycombe Swan panto Cinderella will also be parading around the town centre.

There will be two stages packed with live performances again this year.

The High Street Community Stage will showcase local performers that include school choirs, dance groups and the Salvation Army band.

The Main Stage in Frogmoor will have established acts and will be the venue for the countdown and switch-on of the extended festive lights.

A Christmas Market will be selling a host of treats and event sponsor Sytner will be bringing along its new BMW i3 to wow the petrolheads.

Gemma Field, Projects Manager at HWBIDCo said: "We continue to evolve this event and make it more interactive.

"There is something for everyone and plenty of time to visit the shops and restaurants in town as well."

And visitors will also be able to take part in a Paddington themed competition that could see them win a trip to the theatre.

Gemma added: "If you can find the marmalade sandwiches on the night, tweet us your picture @HWBIDCo - we also have family tickets for the Swan to win."

The festivities and performances get under way from 4pm ahead of the switch-on at 6.45pm.

Visitors to town this evening will also get the chance to visit Narnia, which serves as the backdrop for the Chilterns Shopping Centre’s Santa’s Grotto.

Run in association with the Bucks Free Press, the Grotto will open for the first time on Thursday, from 4pm to 8pm, and then every Saturday until Christmas from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors can have their photos taken with Santa up to and including December 14.

Follow the BFP on Twitter @BucksFreePress and use #BFPXmasLights alongside your photos from the event.