how do i connect my new light fitting?

You don't say which country you're in or the colours (colors) of the wires...no matter...

Here's a picture of the European wiring for a ceiling fitting...

http://www.flameport.com/electric/lighting_circuits/ceiling_rose_end_newcolours.png

Notice that LIVE does not go to the lamp - just to the switch. The switch supplies Switched Live to the lamp so you can turn it on and off.

The terminal block / junction box at the ceiling needs to be 4 way.

Live - Switch connection only
Neutral - Lamp connection
Earth - Lamp connection
Switched Live - Switch and Lamp connections

Hope this helps...Take care...Good luck...

Peccavi
February 2009