CHRISTMAS got off to an energetic start on Thursday as carol singers from Next Stage Choir brought Marlow to life during a busy switch-on ceremony, which saw thousands of people hit the streets.

Then tutored community Choir, which practises in Marlow, gave upbeat renditions of a a host of festive classics, including this lively version of The 12 Days of Christmas.

The High Street was closed to traffic as crowds flocked to see celebrity chef Tom Kerridge flick the switch on Marlow's 2014 illuminations.

See the video below for a taste of the night.