London with fireworks and light; Thousands of people welcome the start of the Christmas season Thousands of people gathered on Regent Street in central London on Thursday evening, November 5, to watch the Christmas lights switch on and fireworks to kick off the festive season. This ceremony coincided with "Fireworks Night", one of the British traditions. At 6:30 p.m., in a ceremony conducted by Harriet Fisher, approximately 300,000 low-energy LED lights illuminated Regent Street and the historic buildings around it. Over 30 light structures in the shape of angels, one of the Christmas symbols of this street, were again installed above it. Live music, Christmas choir singing, dancing in illuminated costumes, street performances and appearances by Hamley's Toy Shop characters were also part of the programme. Regent Street is closed to cars between 17:00 and 21:00. Since 2019, it was the first time pedestrians had the entire street at their disposal for this ceremony. In St. James's Square, the "wishing tree" was once again erected. Visitors could donate five pounds to Felix's charity by touching the tree. This charity collects surplus food and distributes it to those in need.

London with fireworks and light; Thousands of people welcome the start of the Christmas season Thousands of people gathered on Regent Street in central London on Thursday evening, November 5, to watch the Christmas lights switch on and fireworks to kick off the festive season. This ceremony coincided with "Fireworks Night", one of the British traditions. At 6:30 p.m., in a ceremony conducted by Harriet Fisher, approximately 300,000 low-energy LED lights illuminated Regent Street and the historic buildings around it. Over 30 light structures in the shape of angels, one of the Christmas symbols of this street, were again installed above it. Live music, Christmas choir singing, dancing in illuminated costumes, street performances and appearances by Hamley's Toy Shop characters were also part of the programme. Regent Street is closed to cars between 17:00 and 21:00. Since 2019, it was the first time pedestrians had the entire street at their disposal for this ceremony. In St. James's Square, the "wishing tree" was once again erected. Visitors could donate five pounds to Felix's charity by touching the tree. This charity collects surplus food and distributes it to those in need.