Thousands of people of all ages gathered in the Covent Garden Piazza on Tuesday evening for a sensational festive spectacle. A series of live performances and special guests to get into the spirit of the season and celebrate the switching on of the square’s dazzling Christmas lights.

The show began with Matilda the Musical’s Miss Honey welcoming the young Matilda starlet on stage for a powerful rendition of ‘Naughty’. Followed by a number of breathtaking carol songs by The Kingdom Choir, the enchanting choral singers from Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding earlier in the year.

To add to the Christmas magic, Timebased even made it snow. A flurry of white swirled through the air and fell on the heads and shoulders of the audience as they watched in awe.

Surprise guest Paloma Faith joined Karen from The Kingdom Choir and Matilda to do the honours. Together with the huge crowd, they counted down to the big moment. 3-2-1- a buzzer was pressed, and the impressive 55ft Christmas tree lit up with 30,000 shining lights, along with the illumination of Covent Garden’s building façades.

A wonderful, heart-warming extravaganza, with funds raised in support of Crisis, a charity to help end homelessness.

 

Click below to view a video from a member of the public of the countdown moment: