Two The Only Way is Essex stars joined kmfm Breakfast presenters Garry and Laura to press the all important button at the Westwood Cross Christmas lights switch on last night.

The shopping centre launched the festive period in style, revealing a stunning new Christmas lights display and a spectacular toy fort grotto with six-metre turrets, with a little help Towie favourites Jon and Chris Clark.

The pair from the popular show took centre stage alongside the Mayor of Broadstairs and St Peter’s, Cllr Paul Moore.

Entertainment continued until 6.30pm, leaving visitors enough time to enjoy shops until 7.30pm.

This year, the line-up features popular Abba tribute band Björn Again, and Tyber, the lead singer of The Dualers.

Joining them on stage was Westwood Cross young performer of the year, Mabel Walton, aged 11, as well as other talented musicians and local entertainers.

Speaking ahead of the show, Francesca Donovan, centre manager, said: “Following last year’s success with Love Island stars Gabby and Marcel switching on the lights, we can’t wait to welcome two of the biggest reality stars of the year to reveal our brand new Christmas lights.

“The display features new illuminated reindeer, swathes of twinkling lights and our snowman, Christmas pudding and elf selfie pods to capture the most festive selfie.

“The new lights scheme has about 75,000 LED with a total of 3,000 metres of light strings, you might need to bring some sunglasses.”