Shaftesbury Capital has announced that a new light scheme – Into the Light – will be coming to Carnaby Street this Christmas.
Partnering with Sculptivate, the creative production and design studio based in London, the new Christmas lights are said to be an example of the landlord’s innovation in public realm and consumer experience. The installations will feature over 60,000 fully programmable LEDs, with dynamic light displays daily in a first for London, creating ‘stop-and-pause’ moments on one of the country’s most iconic shopping and dining destinations and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Into the Light’s focal points include large star installations at gateways on Carnaby Street, complemented by 6m-long sculptural light forms suspended along the street. The installation extends into Kingly Court, where cascading curtains of light will adorn the balconies.
The light structures, which have been made in the UK, will be powered by energy from renewable sources and are intended to be a fixture of Carnaby Street Christmas for at least five years. The scheme can be adapted each year, as Shaftesbury Capital continues to innovate in its evolution of the visitor experience, adding something that can be re-used but is still capable of generating new reasons to enjoy all that Carnaby Street and Soho has to offer.
Michelle McGrath, executive director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Soho and Carnaby Street has an incredibly rich history of innovation, design and positively connecting with people. The new Christmas lights scheme on Carnaby Street, right in the heart of the West End, embodies this, with a long-term investment which takes a creative and more sustainable approach.”
Andy Cobb, founder at Sculptivate, commented: “London is globally recognised for its Christmas decorations, with Carnaby Street featuring every year in the ‘must see’ list for locals and tourists alike. With this new installation, we wanted to celebrate the rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity, offering something that will not only return as a cherished tradition but also continue to captivate audiences.”
Carnaby Street’s new Christmas lights will be switched on on November 7, followed by six weeks of activity across the neighbourhood.
