Westwood Cross will soon be getting into the festive season with their Christmas lights switch-on event.

The annual celebration, which will be on Friday, November 17 this year, will be hosted by kmfm, and feature entertainment and special guests yet to be announced.

Last year’s event saw appearances from Gogglebox star, Sandi Bogle, performances from X Factor finalists and a surprise visit from the show’s winner, Matt Terry.

Francesca Donovan, centre manager, said: “We will be announcing this year’s special guests very soon, and can’t wait to kick off this year’s festive season!

“Our annual Christmas lights switch on always attracts thousands of visitors from across Thanet 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 join in the festive fun 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 letters to Father Christmas, which will be collected at the guest services kiosk near Debenhams.