MARLBOROUGH Town Council stepped in at the last minute to revive the hopes of youngsters whose dreams of performing at the Christmas lights switch-on tonight had been dashed.

After a successful performance at last year’s festivities, the Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama had been booked to sing at the town hall event again.

But on Saturday the group had a call to say they were no longer needed at tomorrow night’s lights switch-on.

When a message was posted on the Marlborough noticeboard Facebook page by a disappointed parent, the town council contacted the academy’s principal Cheryl Heuston.

Town clerk Shelley Parker said: “We knew nothing about the booking. We can only assume that they were booked by We Love Marlborough who previously organised the event in the town hall.

“I have spoken to Cheryl Heuston from MAD and we are desperately trying to accommodate them. We will find them a slot so they can do something. Even if it’s not big enough for them all to get on stage they will be able to do something.”

Since 2008 We Love Marlborough has organised activities in the Town Hall but it has pulled out of this year’s events to focus on the switch-on in 2015. The council has taken over the reins with Marlborough and District Rotary Club.

The festivities kicked off at noon with more than 50 stalls from the Marlborough communities market in the High Street.

The lights will be switched on at 7pm from outside the Castle & Ball rather than the Town Hall steps.

The Schools Christmas Carol Event in St Mary’s Church is organised by Nigel Kerton and starts at 5.30pm.

Youngsters will form a lantern procession later.