THE Vamps, Fleur East and Union J had fans rocking around the mall at intu Merry Hill's big Christmas lights switch on.

The chart stars kickstarted the countdown to Christmas by performing their biggest hits on stage in the lower mall before the shopping centre's festive lights were officially switched on at 10pm last night (Saturday November 18).

Dudley News:

(The Vamps performing at the event - pic courtesy of Shinepix)

Dudley News:

(Fleur East on the main stage - pic courtesy of Shinepix)

All 400 audience members had won tickets to attend the event in a prize draw which was drawn last month.

Dudley News:

(Crowds enjoy the countdown to Christmas at intu Merry Hill - pic courtesy of Shinepix)

And Milly Spronson from Kingswinford (pictured below - second from left) was the lucky young lady selected in a competition on the night to join the celebrities on stage to officially light up Merry Hill.

Dudley News:

(Hannah Oldacre, Milly Sproson, Megan Fieldhouse, Kyran Whormskey, Keira Hughes, Grace Heath. Image courtesy of Shinepix)

Rob Pickersgill, marketing manager at intu Merry Hill, said: “It was a fantastic night and a great start to our festive season.

"For our competition winners and community heroes, it was a chance to get closer to their favourite pop artists at an exclusive after-hours gig.

“From December we will launch our Wishmas Garden in the heart of the centre which will give our shoppers a completely free Christmas experience and opportunity to see Santa.”