THIS time tomorrow (Saturday November 14) a star studded party will be in full swing with only a few hours to go until intu Merry Hill’s Christmas lights get switched on.

The free fun filled day will feature a number of talent show stars who will be entertaining the crowds before the Brierley Hill shopping centre is illuminated.

Kicking the day off at 11am, as well as a second performance at 12.50pm, will be the brass ensemble of The People’s Orchestra who will perform an array of upbeat Christmas tunes to get the audience in the mood.

‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘Jingle Bells Medley’ are just some of the songs performed by the orchestra which consists of talented musicians who are not able, or do not have the desire to commit, to being part of an orchestra on a full time basis.

Variety act Hoop La La are due up next at 11.40am, and again at 2.05pm, before Britain’s Got Talent stars Old Men Grooving take to the stage at 11.55am.

Appearing in the most recent series, judge David Walliams said of the group: "You've made dad dancing cool".

Next up at 2.40pm will be the acclaimed acapella group Sons of Pitches, who waltzed away with the top prize in Gareth Malone’s top BBC show The Naked Choir.

While on the show the group saw their video for the Hanson hit 'Ummbop' go viral, and you can see why there is a buzz about the sextet during the BBC’s Children in Need telethon this evening when they will be performing.

Headlining the main stage before the lights are switched on at 4pm will be Britain’s Got Talent series eight winners Collabro.

The boy band, which specialises in musical theatre, saw their debut album ‘Stars’ go straight into the UK charts at number one.

Hosts Free Radio will be providing live entertainment across the whole weekend and there will be a number of variety acts providing even more family fun.

The party weekend is a free, non-ticketed event and will take place in the lower mall, near River Island.

Also being launched this weekend is the annual Santa’s grotto, where this year youngsters can become fully fledged elf to help the big man prepare for his busiest time of year.

The exciting experience starts at elf school as kids will discover exactly how to become one of Santa's little helpers from the chief elves. They’ll learn a very special elf chant and go through a makeover at the grotto turning them into one of Santa's most helpful elves before meeting Santa himself.

For more information, or to book tickets for Santa’s grotto which cost £6 for children and free for adults, visit www.intu.co.uk