Carnaby kicks off Christmas with kaleidoscope themed festivities
London's iconic Carnaby Street has kicked off Christmas with the return of is world famous installations, with this years theme titled "Carnaby Kaleidoscope", featuring illuminated shimmering neon butterflies.
Thousands of shoppers attended the free event, with over 100 retailers, restaurants and bars offering immersive in-store activations, offers and interactive workshops.
The Carnaby retailers and restaurants united with brands including The Kooples, Monki, Vans and Barbour.
Simon Quayle, Shaftesbury Director, said: “We are thrilled to officially launch Christmas in Carnaby with the Carnaby Kaleidoscope light installation, a powerful message for both Londoners and visitors alike.
"With open-air live music and over 100 shops and restaurants taking part, the event created a unique customer experience, kickstarting the Christmas trading season in London."
Carnaby Kaleidoscope is an installation of over 600 sparkling butterflies, which will flutter throughout the streets of Carnaby this Christmas. The installation aims to highlight butterflies' metaphoric representations of rebirth, transformation, change and hope.
The event featured live music throughout the day, with live sets and butterfly girls on stilts walking the streets of Carnaby. Guests were also offered complimentary butterfly-themed makeovers using 100% biodegradable, cruelty-free glitter and wreath making workshops. Along with free kaleidoscope cocktails and a photo booth.
This year's Christmas lights are presented in collaboration with charity partner Choose Love. The refugee charity has a pop-up at Carnaby Street until January, selling limited edition products, winter coats, hot meals and bundles which go to refugees and displaced people around the world.
Josie Naughton, Choose Love Founder, commented: “We are deeply honoured to be supported by our wonderful friends at Shaftesbury again this year through both the incredible light installation and a shop space on the iconic Carnaby Street.
"Dropping into the Choose Love shop and buying essential supplies for refugees has truly become a holiday season tradition for so many Londoners and we can't wait to welcome everyone once again this winter.”
