Christmas lights on Orchard

For some reason, London Christmas lights have a reputation. Often my friends outside the city (especially those with small children) will say, "Please send us photos of the Oxford Street / Regent Street lights!" In fact there is even an official ceremony for switching them on (usually conducted for local press by a B- or C-list celebrity.)

But the truth of the matter is that the Oxford and Regent Street lights are usually pants. I have lived in London for over 15 years and this has been fairly consistent! Usually they are simply a set of illuminated advertisements for the latest Christmas Disney movie, or another big-brand commercial. There ain't much creative, pretty or Christmassy about it!*

I am guessing Westminster Council is cost cutting (and the advertisements pay for themselves).

And if we're talking about somewhere prosperous that does not need to cost-cut in the way we know it, Singapore is your place! I went to a party on Orchard Road last night, and what a perdy, perdy job they have done of the lights there! And it's not even a Christian country (OK, I know the connection between Christmas and Christianity worldwide was probably severed ages ago) but if they do this for Christmas, what does Singapore do for the real biggie - Chinese New Year?

Anyway, here are a few snaps I took last night - for your viewing pleasure ;) (You can click on pix to enlarge.)

* If you want to see pretty, Christmassy things in London I would recommend Bond Street (posh but nicely done) and the arcades: London at Christmas: festive arcades