THE countdown to Christmas will get underway at intu Merry Hill this evening (Saturday November 18) when the shopping mall’s festive lights are switched on.

Pop acts The Vamps, Fleur East and Union J will be taking to the stage in the big switch-on event which gets underway from 8pm.

All 400 tickets for the event - taking place on the main stage near H Samuel on the lower mall - were given out through a prize draw which was drawn in October.

The lights will be officially switched on at 10pm following a performance by headline act The Vamps.

If you are attending the event tell us about your experience afterwards on our Facebook or Twitter pages.