THIS Christmas, intu Trafford Centre is launching ‘Light it up’ – it’s very own X Factor-style singing competition.

In a bid to find a singer to share the glory of turning on the centre’s £1million festive light display - alongside a soon-to-be-announced pop star - the shopping centre is appealing for musical entries.

Much like the ITV talent show, intu Trafford Centre is asking for soloists or groups to send in their lyrical attempts online, before 20 acts are invited to perform in the Orient.

On October 13-14, in front of a panel of entertainment experts, 20 finalists will then sing their heart out for the chance to perform at the centre’s Christmas Light Switch On.

The chosen singer chosen finalists will then have the chance to win over the hearts of the 8,000-strong crowd at the Lights event on October 27. The winning act will also receive a £1,000 intu Gift Card prize.

Richard Paxton, general manager of intu Trafford Centre, said: “We’re looking to find a great, local talent who just hasn’t been discovered yet at our ‘Light it up’ competition. We’re confident that out of the 31 million visitors that we attract every year, there must be a real star or two hidden in the mix.

“The intu Trafford Centre stage has been graced by the likes of McFly, JLS, Westlife, Olly Murs and Girls Aloud, so to launch a local singing career here would be very exciting.”

Entrants are asked to send a link to to their recording on a website such as YouTube, Veevo, SoundCloud etc. accompanied by their name and age, to itc.events@intu.co.uk by 11:59pm on September 30.