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Regent Street casts Christmas net wide with web of lights
Simon Kirby07.11.08
THE first of London's Christmas lights have been switched on in Regent Street.
More than 50,000 people watched pop band McFly start a fireworks display which inaugurated the pre-Christmas tradition.
Nets with thousands of energy-efficient bulbs have been strung across the street to give the impression of walking under the stars. The display is promoting the street's claim to be London's best shopping destination, particularly with the double threat of the economic downturn and the new Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush.
McFly Bass guitarist Dougie Paynter said: "It was awesome and there was so many people there to see it. The lights are going to look really cool." Previous guests invited to turn on the lights include Diana, Princess of Wales, Kylie Minogue and jockey Frankie Dettori.
Reader views (4)
just...amazing...we just feel and breathe Christmas at regents street.Really impressed
- Paul, spain
One day after Bonfire Night the Christmas lights go up. Pathetic. It's a shame unlike the americans we don't have Thanksgiving to postpone this tawdry display. The lights and displays should not go up until December - it still gives a whole 24 days of commercial mayhem without totally overwhelming us in the festive frenzy. Bah humbug.
- Squiz, Islington
They look like giant lit up hammocks or fishing nets...not impressed.
- Kelly, London, UK
I can't moan this time.I saw them this morning on my way to work at 6.00.Look really impressive.
- Steve, London
