Carnaby Street is set to illuminate the holiday season with a new, design-led Christmas light installation titled ‘Into The Light’. Launching on 7th November, this innovative display marks a significant evolution in the street’s iconic Christmas decorations and introduces a fresh, architectural approach to festive lighting in London.
Designed by the London-based studio Sculptivate, ‘Into The Light’ is the first phase of a sustainable five-year lighting plan that will redefine Carnaby Street’s festive atmosphere for years to come. The installation features over 60,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs and 6-metre-long sculptural light forms suspended across the street. These lights will produce mesmerising hourly displays, creating a dynamic, immersive experience for visitors.
This marks a notable shift in Christmas lighting for London, as Carnaby Street aims to balance modern aesthetics with sustainability. The installation is powered by renewable energy and is designed for reuse over the next five years, with the potential for adaptive modifications each holiday season.
Carnaby Street’s Cultural and Historical Significance
Carnaby Street has long been synonymous with creativity, counter-culture, and fashion, particularly during the 1960s when it became the epicentre of London’s Swinging Sixties. Known for its vibrant boutique shops and bold designs, the street attracted a diverse crowd of musicians, artists, and cultural pioneers. Iconic figures such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix were frequently seen in the area, cementing its place in pop culture history.
As part of Soho, Carnaby Street has evolved from its 60s heyday but continues to be a hub for independent fashion, art, and design. It remains a go-to destination for tourists and locals alike, celebrated for its unique blend of flagship stores and trendy eateries.
A New Era of Festive Innovation
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director at Shaftesbury Capital, highlighted the significance of the new installation: “London’s West End is known globally for its festive light displays, and we are proud to introduce ‘Into The Light’ at Carnaby Street. This is a new, cutting-edge approach to Christmas lights, combining contemporary design with sustainable practices.”
This year’s display is expected to draw large crowds, further solidifying Carnaby Street’s status as one of London’s must-visit festive destinations. The star-shaped light forms at the entrances to the street will act as a striking visual gateway, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant shopping and dining opportunities the area offers.
Supporting Sustainability
As part of Carnaby Street’s commitment to sustainability, the ‘Into The Light’ installation is UK-made and designed for long-term use. The energy-efficient LEDs and the adaptability of the design mean the lights will remain captivating over the years, while reducing environmental impact.
Festive Shopping and Dining
Carnaby Street and the surrounding Soho area offer a unique festive shopping and dining experience. Visitors can shop for Christmas gifts at flagship stores like END., Adidas Originals, and GANNI, while indulging in diverse cuisine at local restaurants such as Kiln, Zahter, and Kolamba. The lights will also extend into Kingly Court, adding to the festive ambience of this popular dining spot.
The ‘Into The Light’ switch-on takes place on Thursday, 7th November, marking the beginning of the Christmas season in Soho and offering a new era of festive lights in one of London’s most historically significant streets.
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