A local celebrity has said he is 'so excited' to kick off the festive season by turning on the Christmas lights in a Buckinghamshire town.

Now that Halloween is over, it's all eyes on the upcoming festive season, and what better way to usher it in than a good old Christmas lights turn-on announcement?

Robert Thorogood, a famed screenwriter and the author of 'The Marlow Murder Club' book series, soon-to-be a major TV show, will do the honours and has admitted he was 'overwhelmed' to be asked to helm the popular event which is held in Marlow High Street.

This year's event will take place on Thursday, November 23, with the official switch-on scheduled for 6:30pm, orchestrated by Robert from an open-top bus stationed outside the Chequers pub.

But the evening will first get underway at around 6pm, with a snowfall display, festive music and costumed stilt walkers all helping to set the scene for a decidedly Christmassy celebration.

READ MORE: ‘Magical or tacky?’: Bucks residents react to cancelled Christmas in the Park event

Robert said he was "so excited" to officially kick Marlow's festive season into gear, adding: “'The Switch On’ is one of the best nights of the year, as there’s always such a buzz in the town.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed, if I’m honest, that I’ve been asked. What an honour.”

Mayor of Marlow, David Brown, also expressed his “delight” at the news that the local novelist will host the most important date in the town's winter calendar. 

He said: “Robert Thorogood’s passion for Marlow is evident to all. Who knows, our event might even become the inspiration for his next best-seller!”