British pop star Cheryl Cole kicked off the festive celebrations in London on Thursday (06Nov14) by switching on the Christmas lights at the city's iconic Oxford Street.

The former Girls Aloud singer, whose married name is Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, was greeted by thousands of fans at the event in London's West End as she flipped the switch to launch the capital's most famous illuminations.

She was joined by singer/songwriter Jess Glynne and the cast of West End musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the event featured performances from Rixton and Neon Jungle.

Cole follows in the footsteps of the Spice Girls, Sir Cliff Richard and Emma Watson, who have all previously turned on the famous light display.