THE guest celebrities to switch on The Rock's Christmas lights have been chosen.

Children's favourite TV gardener, Mr Bloom will be switching on the festive lights along with X Factor finalists 5 After Midnight.

The Rock's centre director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood, said: “Our Christmas Lights Switch on is the biggest event in our calendar and people travel from miles around to join us – and this year will be no exception!

“The flick of the switch at the end of the night truly signals the beginning of the festive season for the centre, our retailers and our shoppers. We’re really excited about this year’s line-up and to be working in conjunction with Tower FM and as always we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to join with us for the event.”

The switch on event is free to attend and in the week leading up to the event a competition to find Mr Bloom’s vegetables around the centre will be held, with the winners given the chance to say hello to the star before he takes to the stage on the night

The switch on will be hosted by Tower FM and take place on Thursday, November 9 from 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The evening's entertainment will also feature a number of local acts, including groups from the Carol Godby Theatre Workshop and of course an appearance from Santa himself.

Tower FM is inviting people to join in their 'Be Santa, See Santa' competition on the night, dressing as Santa and posing for a picture to win a family trip to Lapland.

Last year, former Liberty X star, Kevin Simm and X Factor wildcard act Yes Lad were the celebrity stars.