JOE McElderry will join fellow X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to get the festive season off to a flying start at Cheshire Oaks on Friday, the outlet has announced.

Joe, who also recently sang his way to victory on ITV’s Popstar to Operastar, will be joined by this year’s X Factor contestants Sophie Habibis and The Risk to light the centre’s 90ft tree.

Up-and-coming boy band Eli Prime and Liverpool singer Chelcee Grimes will make up the rest of the line-up for the event.

As well as witnessing the lighting of Britain’s biggest Christmas tree – which holds 80,000 baubles and 100,000 lights – visitors will be treated to promotions, prizes and a fireworks extravaganza.

Last year’s lighting drew crowds of more than 15,000 people as chart toppers The Wanted pushed the button. Previous performers have included The Saturdays, Shayne Ward, Eliza Doolittle and Basshunter.

To celebrate the event, all Cheshire Oaks stores will be open from 10am-10pm, with a 10% discount card available all day. The lighting event takes place from 5-8pm.