London is known to be a beautiful and magical place over the winter. One of the main reasons for this is the fantastic, breathtaking array of Christmas lights and decorations that leave a twinkle in your eyes. As December is fast approaching, London’s festival celebrations begin and it all started last Saturday in the west end where the London Christmas lights were switched on. For those who are not aware, every year – the Christmas lights on the west end have a different theme. This year’s theme for Oxford Street was inspired by crystal white falling snowflakes which are the first snowflake inspired the theme for Oxford Street in five years. The sensational transformation in Oxford Street will definitely brighten up your shopping trips and get you in festival spirit.
It is not unusual for London to make a big scene of the Christmas lights being switched on, and this year was no different. Oxford Street lights switch on was hosted by Lisa Snowdon and Dave Berry who are presenters at Capital FM. X-Factor winner James Arthur, Conor Maynard and talented pop star, Jessie J had all agreed to perform live on the stage which was provided right outside the rememberable Selfridges store. Once all performances were finished, Jessie J pushed the bottom at 6.15 pm and the £1.5 million display of falling snowflakes lit up the street. The crowd cheered and fireworks were let off on top of the Oxford streets buildings. Not only did this enhance the crowds hyped up energy, the beautiful sparks lit up the night sky and left a glare of white mist in the air. It most certainly felt like Christmas!
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Just around the corner from Oxford Street, Regent Street were also holding their own celebrations and various events for their Christmas lights to be turned on. Last Saturday, Regent Street was live and kicking from as early as 1.pm. The entire street was closed off and only foot flow traffic was allowed for the occasion. Although earlier that evening, just before the lights were to be switched on, barriers were put up (I deem this was all in order to control the crowd). However, the distance in which the barriers were placed made it difficult for some people to see and feel as if they were a part of the celebration. Whilst I understand why security measures like such should be taken. I consider that in this particular case, it defeated the objective of allowing the public to feel as if they were a part of the celebration.
Regent Street provide a live fashion show which consisted of various famous brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Jaeger and Brooks Brothers. There was also live carol singing outside the ‘Liberty’ store from an amazing talented choir. This was followed by drinks and compliments that were provided in a number of stores throughout Regent Street where a live DJ would be playing jams to help you get into the groove.
‘Mr Peabody and Sherman’ is the new 20th century Fox Dreamworks animated film that was the inspiration and the theme behind the lights and decorations on Regents Street. Emma Bunton and Jamie Theakston were the hosts for the night. But it was Ty Burrell, actor and Emmy award winner who is the voice of ‘Mr Peabody’ and Tim Minkoff who is a Hollywood film director (also directed Disney’s Lion King) who had turned on the Regent Streets lights. But it was not before a few live performance from some very talented and gifted artist. Eliza Doolittle and Leona Lewis gracefully took the stage and blessed the crowd with their talent and beauty. Shortly after, it was show time. As the countdown begun and everyone shouted down the seconds together, it was absolutely breathtaking to watch the themed lights light up the streets.
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As Christmas is just around the corner, let’s get ready for all the festive activities, events and adventures that will be taking place all over London. Like I said, ‘London is known to be a beautiful and magical place over winter’. So get your warm coats, your big scarves, gloves and all the rest and get out there. Have some fun and make some unforgettable memories.
