With the festive season drawing closer, Westwood Cross has announced their star-studded line-up for its annual Christmas light switch on.

Love Island favourites Gabby and Marcel will be joined by X Factor girl band Lemonade, retro girl-group Hotsy Totsy and pop-rock covers band Exit Strategy.

The winner of the shopping centre's Summer Party's Little Stars talent show Kelsie Bissett will also be giving a live performance.

Francesca Donovan, centre manager, said: “We can’t wait to welcome this year’s special guests from two of the biggest TV shows of the year.

“Our annual Christmas lights switch on always attracts thousands of visitors from across East Kent and is a great opportunity to get a head-start on the Christmas shopping, with stores open until 7.30pm weekdays and free parking you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.”

Visitors will be able to experience the festive atmosphere and take part in the centre’s name the reindeer competition, with an opportunity to win a stocking full of presents.

Children can also write post letters to Father Christmas, which will be collected at the guest services kiosk near Debenhams.

The event will be on Friday, November 17.

From 4pm until 6.30pm outside Primark, kmfm presenters Gary and Laura and panto stars from Theatre Royal will be on hand to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

The lights will be switched on at 6pm.