Taylor Swift switches on Westfield London's Christmas lights
More than 10,000 fans and shoppers descended on Westfield London to see leading EMA-nominated, six-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Taylor Swift switch on the 2012 Christmas Lights and perform live.
Taylor was introduced on-stage in the Atrium by Capital radio presenter Rich Clarke and was then joined by Young Ambassadors from Westfield's official Christmas charity partner, Save the Children to lead the countdown from ten with thousands of excited fans to the lights switch-on moment.
The official start of Christmas was marked with a dazzling display of confetti, snow and pyrotechnic laser displays. Taylor then performed three songs her smash hits 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together', and 'Love Story' as well as the fan favourite title track from her blockbuster new album, 'RED,' to the more than 10,000 adoring fans in attendance.
Wearing her now trademark red lipstick and a red vintage dress, Taylor sported a stylishly festive look perfectly complimenting the evening's occasion.
Myf Ryan, Westfield's General Manager, Marketing UK said: "The lights switch-on event is always special occasion and this year was no exception. Our shoppers were delighted to have the opportunity to see a global super-star perform for free in the centre and fans showed up in their masses to support both Taylor Swift and Westfield.
Having Taylor switch on the 2012 Christmas lights was a great start to a series of festive activities, including lots of fundraising intitiatives for Save the Children, we will be holding across both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in the run-up to Christmas."
Taylor Swift's fourth studio album, 'RED', released on October 22nd by Big Machine Label Group and Mercury Records has notched up striking sales numbers worldwide and earned widespread critical acclaim. 'RED' has secured Taylor her first no. 1 on the official UK album charts and worldwide, 'RED' reached no. 1 at iTunes on the first day of its release in over 32 countries. In the US 'Red' shattered records with 1.2 million albums sold in the first week - the biggest-selling first week for any album in over a decade. Taylor is the only woman in US history with two million-selling album debuts.
Named by Time Magazine as one of the most 100 most influential people in the world, Taylor Swift has won over 110 awards including 6 Grammys. In 2010 she became the youngest artist in history to win a Grammy award for 'Album of The Year'. Two years later, Swift became the youngest Billboard Awards 'Woman of the Year' winner in history.
The Atrium at Westfield London has established itself as a high-profile destination for celebrity events and performances and has previously played host to A-list names for Christmas lights switch-on events since opening in 2008, including Mariah Carey (2009), Rihanna (2010) and Justin Bieber (2011).
