When the lights at Oxford Street go on, it’s a signal of Christmas truly kicking off across the capital. This has happened ever since 1959, and now, a documentary seeks to explore the history and growth of the glittering festive display that glows across the capital every year.
‘The Oxford Street Lights: Then & Now’ tracks the last 60 years of the lights which, to many, have become the face of Christmas in the capital that draw millions to London every single festive season. Available to watch now via Channel 5, you’ll take a look at at the obstacles of maintaining a celebration that big, all that goes into its organisation each year and, of course, the history behind it all.
You’ll be able to see early footage in black and white of the very first Christmas light displays on Oxford Street, and listen to a number of voices on the early days and years that follow. These include Paul Dart, who in 2016 designed the Angels you’ll have come to recognise on Oxford Street’s noisy neighbour, Regent Street. You’ll hear about both sets of lights in the documentary, with the latter actually arriving on the scene slightly earlier in 1954.
The piece sweeps through the years, including when the Spice Girls turned on the lights back in 1996 right up until the present day in what’s described as showing the highs and lows of the Oxford Street lights. Whether they’re your favourite set of Christmas lights or not, it’s sure to be an intriguing look into how the phenomena of the shining beacons in this city came about.
‘The Oxford Street Lights: Then & Now’ is available to watch for free on Channel 5’s website right now. Those hoping to watch will need to register beforehand.