X Factor's Matt gets Christmas up and running at Meadowhall: GALLERY

X FACTOR 2010 winner Matt Cardle, was the star of the show at Meadowhall's Christmas switch-on concert last night.

Matt performed to thousands of shoppers, alongside MOBO award-winner Tinchy Stryder, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ronan Parke and other guests.

Meadowhall transformed the Oasis car park into a music arena, where thousands of people flocked to see the pop sensations turn on the lights.

Hallam FM breakfast show host Big John hosted the event, which was kicked off by Yorkshire-based hip-hop dance troupe Rationale.

Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “We are proud to provide great entertainment at our light switch-on concerts, so it’s terrific to have such a popular artist as Matt Cardle to headline our annual event.”

Tickets for the show cost £2.50, with proceeds going to Meadowhall's Charity of the Year, Helen's Trust and Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids.

Matt said: “This is the first time I've been at a Christmas lights concert so I'm really excited to be here.

“I’m looking forward to Christmas this year, my life’s been non-stop since winning the XFactor so it will be nice to go home and spend time with my family and friends, and relax.

“It’s also an exciting time because I've just released my debut album, Letters, so hopefully this will become a big success and I'm looking forward to what 2012 will bring.”