POP stars will not light up this year’s Christmas lights switch-on at Cheshire Oaks.

In previous years thousands of fans have braved the cold to see pop stars such as Alexandra Burke, The Wanted and The Saturdays perform before the lights on the shopping centre’s 90ft tall tree are turned on.

But this year McArthurGlen’s designer outlet is instead inviting budding singers in the North West to join it as it aims to host the UK’s largest ever Christmas-singing event, to celebrate the launch of the festive shopping season on Thursday, November 15, when a funfair will open.

It will include singing groups and choirs, as well as those who just sing in the bath, groups of friends and family.

The official lighting of Britain’s tallest artificial Christmas tree will be heralded by a fireworks display.

McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks will be supporting Claire House Children’s Hospice throughout the festive season, with fundraising activities in the run-up to Christmas.

Brian Handley, centre manager at McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks, said: “We are delighted to be hosting a family-friendly Christmas event that is all about giving back to the community.

“Local residents have the unique opportunity to be part of something really special and we could not be happier to be working with Claire House and we’re so excited to be hosting the UK’s largest festive sing-along to raise money for such a good cause.”

Abi Smith, Cheshire fundraising manager at Claire House, said: “To be supported by McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks really is a Christmas dream come true.

“With more than 300 families to look after every year, we need to raise £6,500 every day to cover the daily cost of caring for children and families from our community at Claire House and in our community through our dedicated Hospice to Home team.

“We’re so grateful to McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks and all its shoppers for their support and look forward to seeing them.”

The launch event starts at 7pm on November 15 and the outlet will be open for shopping until 10pm.

Those wanting to be part of the singing event can keep up to date by checking the ‘Christmas at Cheshire Oaks’ page of www.radiocity.co.uk and the Cheshire Oaks Facebook page www.facebook.com/cheshireoaks.