It was an action-packed evening of festive frivolities when the Christmas lights were switched on in Marlborough last night.

The evening’s entertainment kicked off in St Mary’s Church where hundreds of people gathered for the schools’ choir competition which is now in its 10th year.

Pupils from Kennet Valley, Ogborne St George and St Andrew’s, Preshute School, and St Peter’s all impressed the judges with two Christmas song of their choice.

And after the schools joined together to sing Merry Christmas, the Mayor of Marlborough, Guy Loosmore, announced that Emily Barnett, from St Peter’s, had been chosen to switch on the lights.

Organiser Nigel Kerton said: “It really is the start of Christmas celebrations in Marlborough and who better to help launch Christmas in Marlborough than the young people.

“Sometimes we have six schools, this time we had four, but we look forward to a greater entry in future years and we thank the church and the rector for allowing us to have us here.”

Outside on the town hall steps entertainment from Marlborough Dance Academy, Marlborough Concert Orchestra and Marlborough Community Choir got everyone into the festive mood while shoppers browsed the treats on offer at the Marlborough Communities Market.

The town hall was packed with youngsters eagerly waiting to see Santa and families getting involved with crafts.

And for the first time this year, people could place a star on a Tree of Remembrance in the entrance of the town hall.

The tree has been organised by Hillier Funeral Service and was sponsored by Waitrose.

Daniel Claridge, director at Hillier Funeral Service, said: “It’s far more successful than I thought it would be and we’ve had really good feedback from the town council.

“The response has been very positive. Some people have got quite emotional because it can be quite a hard time for people who have lost loved ones.”

Stars are available throughout the Christmas period at the town council offices in the High Street.

Just before the big event Viv Lucas was named as the Citizen on the Year for her work with local Scout groups.

Then Emily Barnett stepped up to switch on the lights in front of hundreds of people who had gathered outside the town hall for the big event.

Mr Loosmore said: “I don’t think I’ve seen so many people at the switch-on before, it’s fantastic.”