Westfield Stratford City has announced today that global superstar Rihanna will switch on the Christmas lights as part of an exclusive Christmas event today.

The 24-year-old performer will take to the stage at 5pm in Cherry Park within Westfield Stratford City in front of an expected 15,000 fans, and along with Young Ambassadors from Westfield's Christmas charity partner, Save the Children they will countdown to the switch-on of the centre's Christmas lights.

A show-stopping display of pyrotechnics and lasers will mark the finale of the countdown and the start of the performance of 'Diamonds' from Rihanna's new album 'Unapologetic', which will be launching in the UK on that day. Following the song lucky fans will then have the once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet their hero.

The UK leg of Rihanna's tour will see her play in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Birmingham and Sunderland. Rihanna tickets go on-sale 9am on Tuesday 20th November and are available from www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Joining the Rihanna Diamonds World Tour Concerts in London, Cardiff and Sunderland will be very special guest David Guetta.

Since opening in September 2011, Westfield Stratford City has had Justin Bieber turn on the Christmas lights in 2011, hosted the UK film premiere of Twilight, as well as being named the official shopping centre to the London 2012 Olympic Games, positioning the centre as a high profile destination for events and celebrity performances.