Scrooges; rise up! Nature is clearly fed up with how early festive decorations are being put up in London too. Anyone shaking their fists at the city being covered in lights, markets being pitched up and ice rinks freezing their surfaces when it’s only the beginning of November can feel vindicated, as the weather clearly agrees with you.
Two giant baubles appeared to wreck havoc on the streets of central London in the early hours of Tuesday morning (November 1), when the heavy winds got the better of the festive display. I’m not sure why I’m surprised, though — evidently, the Halloween spirits weren’t quite done yet and wanted to make their presence felt on Tottenham Court Road before slipping down into the undergrowth, biding their time until October 2023.
As it turns out, the yellow-weather-warning winds of Storm Claudio took down an assuming giant bauble installation which was part of promotion for electronic DJ Mount Kimbie’s new album; set to stand firm on the streets until Friday. The art installation is called “Four World Set” by Tom Shannon, and footage shows two of the 16-foot orbs sadly coming free, unable to stand the unprecedented wind speeds.
Mount Kimbie musician Kai Campos shared a statement online, saying: “Seeing it completed on Sunday night was one of the most exciting things I’ve been involved with.
“The fact that it was so out in the open and public was one of the best parts of the work and when seeing the joy and intrigue it brought to everyone who walked through the square. It felt like it had a life of it’s own and one that was just getting started. I’m absolutely gutted that more people won’t get to see it this week.”
Today (November 2), the Oxford Street lights are being switched on, so let’s hope those angry Halloween spirits–or the strong wind–isn’t still hanging about to continue raining on the Christmas parade.