18 November: Earlier this week London West End and Heart of London Business Alliance unveiled and switched-on the first-ever Christmas lights display on St Martin’s Lane.

The new lights display is the latest installation in a series of major public-realm art commissions delivered by Art of London. The lights are theatre-themed and in a drive to be more sustainable, are made of energy-efficient LED light bulbs and 100% recyclable PMMA coloured inserts. The lights will only be lit during times of high-footfall from 3.30pm – 11.00pm each day.

Mark Williams, Director at Art of London, said:

“London West End and Heart of London Business Alliance are thrilled to launch St Martin’s Lane’s first-ever Christmas lights display. St Martin’s Lane has become such an important cultural and theatrical hub, especially in the past year, and we’re hoping this beautiful installation will encourage more visitors to come and experience all it has to offer over the festive period.”

Joe Davey, Managing Director and Founder of the Theatre Cafe, said:

“Christmas is always a busy period in the West End and we hope these beautiful lights display will encourage members of the public to experience the fabulous productions and delicious treats in our award-winning venue.”

Artistic Director of the ENO, Annilese Miskimmon, said:

“We’re thrilled to have worked with London West End and Heart of London Business Alliance to help organise this wonderful Christmas display. The English National Opera provides a platform for some of the world’s finest operatic talent at an accessible price, sung in English. We hope the wonderful showcase put on by our world-class artists will encourage theatregoers to come down to our home, the London Coliseum on St Martin’s Lane to experience amazing opera this Christmas.”

The St Martin’s Lane lights will remain on display until January and follow on from the Piccadilly Light switch-on organised by Heart of London Business Alliance and The Crown Estate, on 9 November.

To find out more information on our series of public-realm art commissions, please visit: https://artoflondon.co.uk/.