The Mall in Norwich today said it was ready to cope with crowds of people heading to see the stars of television talent shows perform in Norwich.The shopping centre is hosting a Christmas extravaganza, when the centre's Christmas lights will be switched on, tomorrow from 4pm to 9pm.

The Mall in Norwich today said it was ready to cope with crowds of people heading to see the stars of television talent shows perform in Norwich.

The shopping centre is hosting a Christmas extravaganza, when the centre's Christmas lights will be switched on, tomorrow from 4pm to 9pm.

Guests include finalists in the Britain's Got Talent Competition, Stavros Flatley as well as The X-Factor contestant, Eoghan Quigg, who was runner-up to eventual winner Leona Lewis, will be singing a selection of songs.

But bosses at The Mall said they hoped to avoid a repeat of the problems which accompanied the appearance by Diversity at Chapelfield last week.

Victoria Haverson, marketing manager of The Mall, Norwich, said: “They are popular acts and we are expecting crowds to come and see them.

“We would like to reassure our customers that as an indoor venue we are well prepared and equipped to manage this kind of event.

“We have crowd control measures in place and extra security arranged to ensure a safe environment for everyone attending.”

Both stars will be meeting the audience after the light switch on and Father Christmas will be making a personal appearance.

Other activities throughout the evening include Santa's reindeers, a wandering magician, face painting and Heart Angels from radio station Heart 102.4.

The Holiday Inn Norwich North will also be serving mulled wine and mince pies, while shoppers will be further entertained by local Christmas choirs.

The appearance of the TV stars comes hot on the heels of the appearance by Britain's Got Talent stars Diversity at Chapelfield on November 5.

The size of the crowd which gathered to watch the stars during Chapelfield's Christmas lights switch-on took organisers by surprise.

One police officer estimated the crowd as up to 8,000 strong, while organisers had planned for just 2,000.

Extra security staff were drafted in on top of the extra forces already on duty, making 40 security staff in total, as well as police. There were no major incidents, but several minor injuries.