Press Release
FIRST FOR REGENT STREET, FIRST FOR WEST END, FIRST FOR LONDON
4 November 2009
The world renowned Regent Street Christmas lights were switched last night 4 November 2009 and were part of the first ever joint West End switch-on with Oxford Street. At the same time, the City of London joined in the celebrations to mark the launch of the festive season in London. The event coincided with the world premiere of Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Leicester Square with both famous shopping streets sharing the theme.
Colin Firth pushed the button to light up Regent Street, and Jim Carrey lit up Oxford Street whilst Bob Hoskins got the festivities underway in the very heart of Dickens’ London, at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Regent Street stage presented London indie pop rock band The Noisettes and MTV Europe Award nominee Daniel Merriweather who performed before being joined Colin Firth who pushed the button ‘switching on’ the Regent Street Christmas lights. There were performances from 5pm from the winner of the BBC television series I’d Do Anything, Jodie Prenger, currently starring in the hit musical Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and an inspirational performance from the London Community Gospel Choir.
Regent Street was one of the first destinations in Europe to have illuminated Christmas lights; they now date back fifty-five years. Famous faces previously invited to switch on the lights have include HRH The Prince of Wales, Kylie Minogue, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sylvester Stallone and Sir Ian McKellen.
The World Premiere of Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ then took place at three of London’s leading cinemas in Leicester Square where the stars of the film Jim Carrey, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis came together to welcome guests and media from around the world. With an additional ten regional premieres taking place at the same time across the country, the Official Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous 3D Film Premiere will be set.
From November 3 until January 5, London will turn back the clock for ‘London’s Christmas Carol’, its largest ever festive celebration which will bring to life the magic of Charles Dickens’ enduring classic. The West End’s most famous streets, Regent Street and Oxford Street, along with the City will echo to a series of public concerts, events and a world record gathering of carol singers in a joyful celebration of the nation’s favourite time of year.
Further Information
Please visit  Regent Street Online.
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