Fun – Out In London

Oxford Street Christmas lights 2017: When will they be switched on? Who is performing?

londonOut — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:20:23 +0000

Singer Rita Ora will do the honour of flipping the all-important festive switch, lighting up the capital’s busiest shopping street for the Christmas season.

What should we expect?

The theme of this year’s display is The Magic of Christmas.

It is set to light up the capital with 1,778 decorations and around 750,000 twinkling LED lights.

Christmas lights: Craig David (centre) pushes the button for the 2016 switch-on at Oxford Street (PA)

The retail hotspot will transformed by decorations inspired by magical falling snowflakes.

For the second year running Oxford Street has teamed up with children’s charity the NSPCC to host the festive extravaganza.

When will the lights be switched on?

Festive season: Oxford Street’s Christmas baubles for 2016 (Jeremy Selwyn)

The lights will be switched on this evening, Tuesday, November 7.

Organisers recommend revellers arrive around 5pm. The annual switch on usually takes place around 6.15pm.

Where is the best place to stand?

Rita Ora is set to switch on the lights (Dymond/Thames/Syco/Rex)

The stage will be set up outside Park House, close to Marks and Spencer and Marble Arch.

Who will be switching on the lights?

Hot Right Now singer Rita Ora will switch on the lights and onlookers will be treated to a host of performances from last year’s X-Factor champion Matt Terry and boy band 5 After Midnight.

Craig David lights up London’s Oxford Street ahead of Christmas

Cast members from musical Five Guys Named Moe will also treat the audience to a performance of 1940s New Orleans-themed jazz.

Capital Radio’s breakfast show presenters Roman Kemp and Vick Hope will host the event.

Fireworks 2017 display in London: The best free Bonfire Night events

londonOut — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:38:55 +0000

Bonfire night is set to go off with a bang this year as dazzling displays across the capital light up London.

The full list of shows can be found here, but free fun can be found at the four events listed below.

If you want all the OOOOs and AAAAHs without the bangs and flashes, head to East Village’s Victory Park to be wowed by their Theatre of Light. LED covered drummers, poi artists, jugglers and stilt walkers put on a dazzling display of light marvelousness. It’s completely free, too.

Blackheath

Saturday November 4

A funfair and food and drink stalls feature alongside the main attraction.

Tickets: Free, no booking necessary (though donations are welcomed)

Times: Entry from midday, fireworks at 8pm

Booking and details: lewisham.gov.uk

Address: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4PX

Harrow

Saturday November 4

A ‘world food’ area, a funfair and face painting will feature alongside the fireworks.

Tickets: Arrive before 4pm and entrance is free, otherwise tickets are from £7.50 (kids from £4.50). Booking fees also apply.

Times: Entry from noon, fireworks at 7.30pm

Booking and details: harrowfireworks.co.uk

Address: Byron Park, Peel Road, HA3 7QX

Newham

Sunday November 5

Newham’s Wanstead Flats play host to a fireworks display that’s backed by a live DJ. The food promises to be a highlight, too: besides the usual hot dogs and burgers, there’ll also be a healthy showing of Thai, Indian and Caribbean dishes to tuck into.

Tickets: Free

Times: Entry from 5.30pm, fireworks at 6.30pm

Booking and details: newham.gov.uk

Address: Wanstead Flats, Capel Rd, E11 2LT

Victoria Park

Sunday November 5

Victoria Park, voted the London’s favourite outdoor spot, returns with its first firework extravaganza in five years. Light refreshments will be available.

Tickets: Free

Times: 7pm until around 10.30pm

Booking and details: towerhamletsarts.org.uk

Address: Victoria Park, E9 5DU

Wembley Park

Saturday November 4

This big Brent display is a family friendly affair, with street performances and food stalls galore. With Wembley stadium in the background, it’s set to be a memorable night. Best of all? It’s free.

Tickets: Free

Times: Entrance from 6pm

Booking and details: brent.gov.uk

Address: Wembley Park, HA9 9AA

In Notting Hill? You must Visit this pub

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:04:09 +0000

The most beautifully dressed pub we have come across in London. The Churchill Arms really is unique.

Not many tourists know….. The Churchill, is a celebration of the wartime leader (they even estimate the number of champagne bottles the man consumed), is in fact an Irish pub – and didn’t Ireland remain neutral during World War II?

Regardless, this is a fine establishment, part homely tavern (it’s a Fuller’s, and the beer is excellent) and part Thai restaurant. (It is actually the first Pub with a Thai restaurant in London). There is real character inside too, loads of hanging war paraphernalia makes just waiting to be served a real experience.

This is a must visit pub for both tourists and Londoners.

Lovely afternoon drink @churchillarms #nottinghill

A post shared by Out In london (@out_in_london) on Aug 14, 2016 at 11:28am PDT