London’s West End unveils world’s largest Christmas light switch-on
London’s West End saw over one million LED bulbs light up across the shopping district on Friday to make what it says was the world’s largest Christmas light switch-on.
Some 20 streets in the area collectively switched on their lights to officially mark the start of the festive season in the capital as West End businesses kicked off a six-week ‘Only in the West End’ campaign to highlight the area’s attractions.
Ros Morgan, a spokesperson for London’s West End, said: “Having lost out on Christmas last year, 2021 has to be about getting the chance to really cherish that joy that you get in the lead up to Christmas and where better to do this than the West End. Where visitors can experience the very best restaurants and overnight stays, iconic West End theatres shows and shopping like no other, all within walking distance – no other city in the world can offer this kind of experience.”
The 20 streets taking part in the switch on included Baker Street, Bond Street, Bruton Street, Conduit Street, Duke Street, James Street, Jermyn Street, Leicester Square, North Audley Street, Oxford Street, Portman Square, Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Princes Arcade, Regent Street, Savile Row, South Molton Street, St James’s, St James’s Market, St Christopher’s Place plus surrounding streets.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “London is the greatest city in the world and I’m thrilled that this year the West End is hosting the largest Christmas lights switch-on ever seen. From our world-class shops, attractions, arts, and culture to our incredible bars and restaurants – all of which will be sparkling under more than a million lights – there is so much to see and do this festive season.”
In keeping with the West End’s commitment to sustainability, all of this year’s Christmas lights use the latest in LED technology, which provide energy savings of up to 75% against conventional lighting.
To help visitors discover what is on offer in the shopping district this Christmas, London based illustrator Olivia Brotheridge has created a special map that can be viewed on the area’s various websites.
