Today, London West End and Heart of London Business Alliance unveiled and switched-on the first-ever Christmas lights display on St Martin’s Lane, in London’s bustling theatre district. West End singers from the Theatre Cafe joined in the festivities and belted out a medley of Christmas tunes as the new lights sparkled behind them. Dazzling and colourful, the lights will bring festivity and joy to members of the public visiting St Martin’s Lane for a theatre show, delicious meal or winter tipple. The perfect location for a Christmas selfie, the Christmas lights will be on display until January.
In a drive to be more sustainable, the eight million twinkling lights decorating St Martin’s Lane are made of energy-efficient LED light bulbs and 100% recyclable PMMA coloured inserts. The lights will only be lit during times of high-footfall from 3.30pm – 11pm each day.
The first-ever switch-on of St Martin’s Lane’s Christmas lights marks the start of a plethora of festive offerings from the legendary theatre district. The English National Opera this month will be premiering the highly-anticipated UK run of Frank Captra’s beloved film, It’s A Wonderful Life. The production is directed by the legendary theatre choreographer, Aletta Collins (The Tempest), who makes her ENO debut this Christmas.
Elsewhere in the theatre district, esteemed actors David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) star in the critically-acclaimed theatre show, Best of Enemies, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Additionally, the iconic Duke of York’s Theatre is playing host to some of the finest theatrical talent this winter. Juliet Stevenson, CBE (Truly, Madly, Deeply), leads the “amazing” ensemble The Doctor, while Sir Ian Mckellen stars alongside famed comedians John Bishop and Mel Giedroyc in Mother Goose.
For those desiring a tipple prior to the theatre or after the Christmas shop, The Alchemist has unveiled its luxury range of festive cocktails, including the Mulled Bellini and delectable White Chocolate Raspberry Martini. Additionally, visitors to Mr Fogg’s Tavern will enjoy its specially crafted Christmas drinks, including the gingerbread and apple Boxing Day Punch, and warm Smoking Bishop. For West End visitors wanting a more substantial meal, the fabulous 5-star St Martin’s Lane Hotel and its hidden Blind Spot Bar, has a wide array of festive meal and drinks menus available for both Christmas and New Year.
Mark Williams, Director at Art Of London, said: “London West End and Heart of London Business Alliance are thrilled to launch St Martin’s Lane’s first-ever Christmas lights display. St Martin’s Lane has become such an important cultural and theatrical hub, especially in the past year, and we’re hoping this beautiful installation will encourage more visitors to come and experience all it has to offer over the festive period.”
Joe Davey, Managing Director and Founder of the Theatre Cafe, said: “Christmas is always a busy period in the West End and we hope this beautiful lights display will encourage members of the public to experience the fabulous productions and delicious treats in our award-winning venue.”
The new Christmas lights on St Martin’s Lane follows a recent switch-on at Piccadilly Circus, organised in tandem by Heart of London Business Alliance and The Crown Estate, on 9th November. The Piccadilly Lights, the iconic digital display, screened an official countdown and members of the public took part in a Christmas-themed sing-along, singing several festive hits and carols.
Culture seekers can also discover a raft of spectacular arts destinations, including specially crafted Christmas itineraries, using Art of London’s handy online guides, filled with world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, institutions and pop-ups to explore in the West End.
