THOUSANDS took to the streets last week as Marlow’s bustling pre-Christmas festivities continued with the ever popular late-night shopping evening.

Organisers dubbed the event a huge success, with over 3000 people cramming into the High Street on Thursday to take in the sights, sounds and smells.

Shops and businesses opened their doors late for revellers to cross a few names off their Christmas shopping list, with a host of other attractions for the smug few who had already completed the task.

Organiser Jo Braybrooke, member of The Marlow and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, which was behind the event, said: “It was a great success this year, I’ve already had lots of positive comments.

“We were worried as the weather was dire in the afternoon and we were holding on to the gazebos, but luckily by the evening it was perfect.

“We think there were around 3000 people there, which is brilliant. We’ve been having meetings and planning this since March and the hard work has really paid off for everyone.

The Chamber has organised the event for decades and were keen to keep the tradition going despite the town council’s light switch-on evening last week.

Paralympic champion Naomi Riches donned her gold medal to open the event in a festive version of her Team GB outfit after the High Street was closed to traffic from 3pm.

The recently retired rower also judged the best-dressed stall competition with Mayor Suzanne Brown and Chamber president Tim Graham, with Foxes Piece School taking the Waitrose-sponsored title.

A carol service has held in the high street for the first time, featuring primary school choirs and musicians from Great Marlow School.

And a procession along featuring shepherds, Mary and Joseph and their donkey made its way up the High Street before arriving at the Methodist Church.

There were also live reindeer outside Cargo, with children getting the chance to sroke and feed carrots to Santa's furry friends.

The evening’s success follows the festivities last month for the Christmas lights switch-on, when thousands brought the town to a standstill to see Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Chambers push the button.