Thousands of fans turned out to see the 17-year-old star kick off the festivities at Westfield after he arrived by helicopter at the nearby Olympic Park.
He had performed the same task earlier at Westfield’s mall at Shepherd’s Bush in west London.
Fresh from scooping the best male and best pop prizes at last night’s MTV Europe awards in Belfast, Bieber said: “It’s great to be back here, and to have all my fans here is really special.”
After performing several of his hits, the singer insisted backstage he was well able to cope with the hordes of fans who greet him everywhere he goes.
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am. My fans are amazing,” he said.
He turned on Westfield Stratford City’s Christmas lights, which were accompanied by a brief but spectacular fireworks display, and then sang four songs from his latest album.
He finished with the song Baby.
He told the crowds he was looking forward to Christmas with his family and friends.
His arrival and departure was shown live on TV screens throughout the centre.
Delighted fans screamed their adoration for the star.
We estimate that more than 4,000 of them were able to catch a glimpse of the star.
But official figures will be released by Westfield tomorrow morning.
Bieber, who has recently denied claims that he fathered a child with a young fan, was joined on stage by presenter Reggie Yates and youngsters from the Teenage Cancer Trust charity.
Westfield Stratford City organisers had earlier closed viewing areas ahead of the star’s performance tonight, saying they were full to capacity as thousands of fans flooded the shopping centre.
There were three designated viewing areas for fans to watch the teenage sensation arrive by helicopter, turn on the Christmas lights and perform his hits but Westfield announced these areas were full around 1.30pm this afternoon.
People have been queuing since 2am and all 2,580 special allocation wristbands had been distributed by 7am.
In preparation for the noise and screams from excited fans, residents at the Premier Inn hotel at Westfield Stratford were given complimentary earplugs to make sure their sleep was not disturbed by the show.
The star has sold more than 11 million records worldwide.
source: london 24
