Oxford Street’s Christmas lights will be switched on tonight, with a Harry Potter theme, live music and the street’s first traffic-free switch-on in nine years.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the popular shopping destination for the annual switch-on, which will feature live entertainment, music and a magical display inspired by the wizarding world.
The event will be hosted by television personality Sam Thompson and will feature a variety of performances and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. The event space will open at 2pm, with the main entertainment beginning at 4.30pm and continuing until 7pm.
The official programme includes a Hogwarts Choir performance at 4.45pm, a DJ set from Marvin Humes at 5.30pm, a surprise Harry Potter-themed spectacle at 6.05pm and a Harry Potter quiz at 6.20pm, before the main event at 6.45pm. The switch-on is scheduled for 6.45pm, although organisers have advised that the illuminations will take place between 6.30pm and 7pm.
This year’s display will feature a Harry Potter theme alongside Oxford Street’s traditional illuminated stars. It will include four double-sided illuminated banners representing the Hogwarts houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, each surrounded by a cluster of 30 floating candles, bringing elements of the wizarding world to one of London’s busiest shopping streets.
A Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree will also be illuminated in Hanover Square, inspired by the Great Hall from the new HBO television adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The celebrations coincide with the opening of the new Harry Potter flagship shop on Oxford Street on 4 November, which drew a protest when it opened.
The Christmas lights switch-on is completely free to attend, and visitors do not need to book tickets. However, entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with three designated event zones operating at limited capacity. Organisers have warned that the event is expected to be extremely busy, meaning visitors could be turned away once areas reach capacity. Those hoping to watch the lights being switched on are encouraged to arrive early.
The nearest London Underground stations include Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road.
Elsewhere in the capital, a Christmas craft market is coming to the historic Crystal Palace Subway later this month, and Seven Dials in Covent Garden will see daily Christmas snow.
