Carnaby’s Christmas lights installation illuminates shopping

Last night saw thousands of visitors descend on London’s Carnaby area for its annual Christmas shopping and dining party, with the festive lights switched on by DJ Norman Jay and TV presenter and radio DJ Edith Bowman.

The free event, which was hosted by radio presenter Alice Dale, saw over 100 retailers and restaurants – including the newly opened RIXO store, Dr. Martens, Barbour, Vans, Diesel, The North Face, Sweaty Betty, RS No.9, Tapas Brindisa and Ugly Dumpling – come together with special offers, in-store activations and interactive workshops.

Coined “London’s most Instagrammable Chrstmas installation”, this year the Christmas lights feature a medley of 14 different themes from the past 25 years, including an underwater seascape, giant snowmen, space, robins and collaborations with two of the world's most famous bands; The Rolling Stones and Queen.

Timberland provided customers with a free boot cleaning service and DJs performed in-store at M.A.C, Mallet and IKKS Paris.

Simon Quayle, Director of London landlord Shaftesbury, said: “We are delighted to officially launch the Christmas season in Carnaby with the shopping and dining party. This year, we have created a dynamic medley of 14 different installations from the past 25 years of Christmas in Carnaby.

“We are also proud to again link with our chosen charity partner, Choose Love, to highlight all the amazing work they do and help them raise much needed funds. We hope that everyone will come to enjoy the much-anticipated display, and many will remember some of their own favourites in this globally renowned destination.”

Choose Love has a pop-up at 15-17 Foubert’s Place selling a line up of limited edition products and some “life-changing bundles” which go to refugees and displaced people around the world.

Josie Naughton, Choose Love Founder, commented: “We are deeply honoured to be supported by our wonderful friends at Shaftesbury again this year through both the incredible light installation and a shop space where we are popping up for November and December in iconic Carnaby.

“Dropping into the Choose Love shop and buying essential supplies for refugees has truly become a holiday season tradition for so many Londoners and we can't wait to welcome everyone once again this winter.”

The ‘Carnaby Celebrates’ light installation incorporates low-energy LEDs throughout the display, as well as operating on a timer system for the Christmas period to reduce energy consumption.