Cheshire Oaks lights switch-on has got the X Factor

Nov 11 2010 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

THOUSANDS will flock to see stars light up the stage at Cheshire Oaks Tree Lighting 2010.

Last year 15,000 people descended on the retail centre to see The Saturdays headline the lighting ceremony, and this year organisers are expecting even more to attend.

Top boy band The Wanted will be switching on the lights of Britain’s biggest Christmas tree on Friday, November 12.

The heart-throbs will be the headline act at Cheshire Oaks’ Christmas launch, which starts at 5pm, performing songs from their debut album and officially starting the centre’s countdown to Christmas.

X Factor’s recently evicted girl group Belle Amie have stepped in to replace Treyc Cohen, who had been lined up to sing but can’t for contractual reasons. Diva Fever and 2007 entrants Same Difference will also perform.

Eliza Doolittle, Louis Walsh’s girl band Wonderland – featuring former Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert – will also play for the crowd and R&B trio Frixion will provide the warm-up. The music begins at 6pm and runs until 7.40pm.

Construction is under way of Britain’s biggest Christmas tree which stands 90ft tall and will be decorated with 100,000 lights and 80,000 baubles.

Shaun Rhodes, marketing manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “The lighting of the tree has already become one of the ‘must see’ events in the region and I can guarantee it’s going to be a spectacular night. We’re expecting big crowds to be here to enjoy both the on-stage entertainment and late night shopping until 10pm.

“This year’s line up, with the fantastic and hugely popular The Wanted as headliners, is particularly strong and we’re so pleased that all these talented performers will be helping us get the Christmas party started.”