DESPITE uncertainty over the future of Marlow’s Christmas lights, this year’s illuminations are set to get off to a glittering start on Thursday at the big celebrity switch-on.

Award-winning TV chef and adopted Marlovian Tom Kerridge will flick the switch aboard an open-top bus on the High Street outside Chequers pub at 6.30pm.

The High Street will be closed to traffic for an hour from 6pm, with crowds able to line the streets to watch Tom carry out the festive honour.

Car parking is free for the day in council-operated car parks on Thursday to encourage more people to take advantage of the later opening times to do some festive gift hunting.

Marlow FM will be broadcasting live from the event, with entertainment from Next Stage Choir who will be singing to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Many of Marlow's shops are opening late and offering special promotions and discounts, a glass of bubbly and mince pie or two.

Funding from Wycombe District Council for the display ends next year, after it gave tapering support following the hand over of responsibility to Marlow Town Council in 2012.

The town council has said it needs more businesses and sponsors to come forward to help secure the light show for future years.

Each year, the illuminations include the large tree on the Causeway, overhead lights above the High Street and 50 individual lit trees above town centre shops.