Westfield Christmas lights 2017: Festive season officially launched in Shepherd's Bush as Gwen Stefani hits switch

The festive season officially kicked off in Shepherd's Bush as crowds gathered to watch the shopping centre switch on its Christmas lights.

Singer Gwen Stefani hit the switch at the west London shopping contest after excited fans waited in the cold for her to appear on Thursday evening.

They were then treated to a performance of the star’s latest Christmas release called: “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”.

No Doubt frontwoman Ms Stefani told the crowd that she had written the song with her boyfriend Blake Shelton.

People took to Twitter to praise the artist's performance, which included her hit Hollaback Girl.

Others even jokingly credited the What You Waiting For singer for bringing the first snowfall to London.

Presenter Fearne Cotton joined the performer on stage and helped her switch on the glittering display in the shopping centre.

Ms Stefani told the crowd that she was pleased to be in England and described London as having a “certain smell”.

Earlier in the evening the singer stopped to greet fans who had waited for her.

Westfield’s Christmas display followed Oxford Street’s star-studded Christmas lights switch on earlier this month.

Rita Ora and former X-Factor winner Matt Terry had the honour of switching on the famous lights.