Oxford Street, Lighting Up Christmas for 50 Years
October 16 2009
Since the first illumination of Oxford Street’s world famous Christmas Lights in 1959 the central London spectacle has become an integral part of the country’s preparations for the Christmas period. Internationally famous for its 600 shops, 176 flagship stores and 120 international brands, 50,000 shoppers visit the West End every year on a chilly November evening, to witness the glittering Christmas lights scheme adoring the retail haven.
With no greater pull than the pull of celebrity, the nation’s number one celebrities have climbed the platform to push the red button every year since the early 1980s. It became common knowledge in the world of celebrity that to be invited to switch on the Christmas lights in Oxford Street meant you were currently the people’s favourite.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights schemes are widely known to be the most superior designs in the country, ranging from the traditional schemes of the 1980s and early 1990s featuring real Christmas trees along the length of the street, to the more elaborate schemes seen today involving LED displays.
As 2009 anticipates Oxford Street’s biggest and most elaborate lights scheme in its 50 year history London’s ultimate Christmas spectacle is certain to dazzle the British public for years to come.
OXFORD STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
November 3, 2009
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ceremonious switching on event, with Jim Carrey flicking the switch. The theme is Disney's ‘A Christmas Carol’, in celebration of the launch of the film. The world premiere will follow in Leicester Square with guests including cast members Jim Carrey, Colin Firth and Bob Hoskins. Lights are, for the first time, turned on at the same time as Regent Street, with the City of London joining in the festivities.
OXFORD STREET AND REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
New West End Company is partnering with Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ and between Tuesday 3 November and Tuesday 5 January London will turn back the clock and bring to life the spirit of a traditional Christmas. Visitors will be treated to ‘A Christmas Carol’ themed lights scheme on Oxford Street and Regent Street, traditional events, promotions and activity across the capital.
www.londonschristmascarol.com
For further information regarding London’s Christmas Carol 2009 please contact DDA PR:
James Knox: 020 7932 9830 / Bee Jordan: 020 7932 9814
dacc@ddapr.com
SHOP WEST END VIP DAY - WORLD’S LARGEST TRAFFIC FREE SHOPPING DAY
5 December, 2009
After the huge success of previous years, the world’s biggest traffic-free shopping event returns to London’s West End on Saturday 5 December 2009. Shop West End VIP Day (which stands for Very Important Pedestrians) is back, for a day of fantastic, festive shopping and entertainment. Oxford Street and Regent Street will be cleared of traffic, leaving the area free for shoppers to enjoy. Expect high level entertainment with VIP rewards, live music and celebrity appearances. For further information visit www.westendlondon.com/vip
Oxford Street, Lighting Up Christmas for 50 Years [100 KB]