Sami Brookes was on hand beside the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham to mark the 30-day countdown to Christmas.
By Katriona Ormiston and James Pozzi
X Factor’s Sami Brookes was on hand beside the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham to turn on the Christmas lights at Fulham Broadway on Friday.
The switch-on marked the 30-day countdown to Christmas and the start of festivities.
The 31-year-old singer, who reached the live finals of this year’s X Factor, performed a selection of covers including her famed Whitney Houston audition song.
She entertained a bustling crowd assembled for an evening of live entertainment.
“Sami was incredible on X Factor but seeing her live gave me goosebumps.” said Fulham resident Sophie Kirk, 22.
“The Mayor was a bit of a ledge too. Loved her bling.”
Also greeting locals were the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Mayor Frances Stainton and Chelsea FC mascot Stamford the Lion.
A walking oversized Christmas tree also mingled with the crowds while restaurants treated people to free snacks.
Sami’s performance was preceded by music from the Nostalgia Steelband and two local school choirs, Fulham Cross Girl’s School and the London Oratory School.
Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre Manager Gary Blackledge said: “The festive period is a time for us to give something back to the local community.”
“A lot of planning went into the event and we are absolutely delighted with how it has turned out.”
Mr Blackledge added any proceeds raised at the event are to go, in a Christmas-spirited donation, to local breast cancer support charity The Haven. The figure is to be announced next week.
Lead performer Lionel McCalman of the Nostalgia Steelband believes the event was a perfectly timed opportunity for locals to get into the festive spirit.
He said: “Sometimes these things happen too early but I think everyone is getting into the spirit finally.”
