The X Factor inspired a 10% growth in footfall at Bluewater on its first day of Christmas trading.

More than 320,000 shoppers visited the mall from Friday to Sunday, sparked mainly by a Christmas lights switch on featuring Gravesend-born star of the current series Tamera Foster.

The 16-year-old was joined by Jahmene Douglas, runner up in last year’s ITV competition, who headlined a concert in front of 12,000 people.

The pair then turned on the lights, followed by a fireworks display, with retailers reporting sales levels rocketting to the equivalent of a pay-day weekend.

The shopping centre hopes footfall will continue to rise with new additions like Jack Wills, Reebok and the East India Company, as well as the opening of a new bigger TopShop store.

Bluewater general manager Robert Goodman said: “The increased volume of guests at Bluewater for the light switch on concert on Friday night was sustained throughout Saturday and Sunday, and guests were clearly enjoying starting their Christmas shopping in earnest.

“Evolution and innovation drive everything we do at Bluewater to deliver growth for our retailers.

“This Christmas, the combination of more than 50 new or enhanced stores, equivalent to over 10% of Bluewater’s floor area, and our emphasis on providing entertainment to complement our industry-leading retail and dining offer, positions Bluewater as a one-of-a-kind destination for consumers.”

Extended Christmas opening hours have also begun at the centre, from 9am until 10pm six days a week.