Shaftesbury Capital has announced a new, innovative Christmas light scheme for Carnaby Street this festive season, marking a first-of-its-kind approach for London’s iconic holiday displays. Named ‘Into the Light’, the installation aligns with Soho’s reputation for creativity and innovation, while introducing a more sustainable approach to festive lighting.
In collaboration with Sculptivate, a London-based creative production and design studio, Shaftesbury Capital is bringing a dynamic new lighting display to one of the country’s most famous shopping and dining destinations. The installation will feature over 60,000 fully programmable LEDs, creating eye-catching, stop-and-pause moments for visitors. This daily light show is a first for London and promises to enhance the overall visitor experience during the Christmas season.
The contemporary design of ‘Into the Light’ includes large star installations at key entrances to Carnaby Street, with 6-metre-long sculptural light forms suspended along the street. The display extends into Kingly Court, where cascading light curtains will adorn the balconies, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere in Soho’s popular alfresco dining area.
The structures have been made in the UK and will be powered by renewable energy sources, reflecting Shaftesbury Capital’s commitment to sustainability. The installation is designed to be a fixture for at least five years, with flexibility to adapt and evolve each year. This long-term approach not only reduces waste but also adds a fresh element to Carnaby Street’s Christmas offering annually, ensuring there are always new reasons to visit Soho during the festive period.
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director at Shaftesbury Capital, highlighted the significance of this project: “Soho and Carnaby Street have an incredibly rich history of innovation, design, and positively connecting with people. The new Christmas lights scheme on Carnaby Street, right in the heart of the West End, embodies this, with a long-term investment that takes a creative and more sustainable approach. As with our other destinations, we passionately believe that this beautiful, well-designed and high-quality lighting scheme with a longer-term vision for Carnaby Street will build cherished Christmas experiences that inspire and excite Londoners and visitors alike.”
The new lights will be switched on Thursday, 7th November, marking the beginning of six weeks of festive activity throughout the neighbourhood. Shaftesbury Capital’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the lighting, as the festive season will see a series of creative events and experiences that echo the energy of the new scheme.
Andy Cobb, Founder of Sculptivate, commented: “London is globally recognised for its Christmas decorations, with Carnaby Street featuring every year in the ‘must-see’ list for locals and tourists alike. With this new installation, we wanted to celebrate the rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity, offering something that will not only return as a cherished tradition but also continue to captivate audiences. ‘Into the Light’ will transform Soho in the same way its predecessors have, while maintaining Shaftesbury Capital’s position as a real trailblazer in West End public realm.”
