CHRISTMAS in Marlow will begin tonight as the town's lights switch on ushers in the festive season.

The illuminations will be turned on by actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers.

The Marlow resident is the star guest at Marlow Town Council's new Switch on and Shop event.

The event is expected to give retailers a boost, with a double dose of seasonal celebrations coming in a fortnight with the traditional Late Night Shopping on December 5.

Naomi Riches, the London 2012 gold medallist, will open that event.

Christmas commerce is stepping up this weekend with two fayres.

At Marlow Methodist Church, Spittal Street, on Saturday there will be a Christmas Fayre from 10am to 2pm with proceeds going to charities. Stalls include gifts, jewellery, seasonal foods and toys.

On Sunday the Crowne Plaza Hotel will be hosting the Marlow Christmas Market between 11am and 4pm. Organisers promise an eclectic mix of original gifts, decorations, scrumptious food and edible presents.

Out of the ordinary handmade African gifts will also be displayed by Best of Africa as well as small craft items created by furniture students at Buckinghamshire New University from trees blown down in the recent storm around High Wycombe.

Carols and festive songs will be played by Leading Lights Events and a choir from Marlow C of E Infant School.

The hotel is holding its now customary Christmas card competition with the school children of Marlow. At noon, the winner will be presented with their prize family ticket to the pantomime, Cinderella, at the Wycombe Swan by Marlow’s Town Mayor, Councillor Suzanne Brown.

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