It’s almost time to light up Westwood Cross for the festive season.

And joining the shopping centre celebrations this year are stars from this year’s The X Factor and Gogglebox.

Freddy Parker and Relly C will perform at the centre’s winter-themed celebration.

And from the Channel Four hit show Gogglebox, Sandi Bogle will also be putting in an appearance at the celebration on Thursday, November 10.

Later in the evening the centre’s Christmas lights will be turned on and the doors to Santa’s grotto will open.

Thanet Extra’s sister radio station kmfm’s breakfast show presenters Garry and Emma will host the night of fun and provide the entertainment and a number of local groups will also perform.

Westwood Cross centre manager Francesca Donovan is expecting to welcome lots of visitors to the event.

She said: “This year we will have top performances, the switch-on of our Christmas lights, the opening of Santa’s grotto and our traditional festive market.

“We are also launching the Big Christmas Book Drive.”

The initiative aims to improve the quality of literacy skills by providing schools in the area with more books for them to use in their libraries.

Customers are being asked to buy an extra book while they are making their way around the centre’s book shops and take them to the Cafe Rouge van which will be near the customer service kiosk.

Francesca added: “With many retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Waterstones and WH Smith having special offers, it has never been easier to donate.”

Schools are also being encouraged to learn more about the project, which makes its debut this year, by logging onto bustersbookclub.co.uk.