West Bromwich Christmas lights switch-on: X Factor's Ben Haenow and BGT's Stavros Flatley and Bollywest Fusion in event - in pictures

The 2014 contestant was also joined by Britain's Got Talent's Stavros Flatley and Bollywest Fusion, as excited fans eagerly waited for the festive lights to spark into life.

The celebrity performers were the headline attractions of the festive celebrations last night, which saw the town lit up for the festive season.

A meet and greet had also been planned to take place with Ben Haenow at King's Square Shopping Centre - but it was cancelled.

Ben tweeted before the event: "Ho ho ho! West Bromwich bound for some xmas lighting upness." The singer told the crowd he was thrilled to be in West Bromwich to perform the lights switch on.

He went on to sing a number of songs on the stage, including Second Hand Heart and a cover of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror, much to the delight of the crowd.

Ben won the 11th series of the X Factor and his debut record achieved number one in the UK charts in December 2014.

John Hodgkiss, West Bromwich BID manager, said: "The cancellation was nothing to do with us and was down to his management.

"People had queued up to see him for hours so it wasn't a great job when we had to tell everyone the bad news but it's part of the job and there's nothing we could do.

"Sorry for any inconvenience caused and of course, sorry to the fans that had been eagerly waiting."

Residents who turned out to see the display said it was a great way to kick off the festive season.

Stone Cross resident Paula Hope, aged 34, said: "I've bought the kids for a night out to get them a little more excited for Christmas. It's lovely that community events like this are still organised and it's great to see an X Factor winner here in West Brom."

Sarah Malpass, 22, said: "I was just passing by in the town and saw something was going on so I ended up stopping and watching it all."

Cathy Webber, 35, from Oldbury said: "Me and my husband Daniel come every year as it builds our excitement for Christmas and it's nice to get outside."

Fans also took to Twitter to express their excitement of the singer turning on the lights.

Last year, fellow winner of the 2013 X Factor series, Sam Bailey, turned on the town's lights.