Castros wins £1.2m Oxford Street Christmas lights tender

Portuguese lighting consultancy Castros has won the £1.2m London Oxford Street Christmas lights tender with its ‘snowfall’ concept.

How the 'Snowfall' concept might look when lit
How the ‘Snowfall’ concept might look when lit

The tender was launched in March by the New West End Company which sought ‘an inspirational, innovative and global appeal design solution that will have a five-year life but will be capable of adaptation to create a fresh impact each year’.

Castros was appointed in September for its ‘snowfall’ concept, which was inspired by the consultancy’s trip to London in March when snow began to fall.

There are 1778 white spherical baubles strung across Oxford Street, running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch. Three different dimensions create what Castros calls ‘a covered ceiling’.

The plastic design comprises an open lattice frame to reduce wind resistance and LED lights.   

There will be a total of 750,000 LED lights, which this year will be white in colour when lit.

Recent years have seen various commercial partnerships inform the Oxford Street design, such as Marmite and Disney film Cars.

The tradition of lights on Oxford Street dates back 54 years and the NWEC says, ‘The lights are very important to many Londoners and visitors, as a visit to see the lights forms part of their festive celebrations.’

The lights, which have already been hung, will be switched on on 12 November outside Selfridges and stay on until 6 January 2014.

Each year 40 million visits are made to Oxford Street in the six weeks over the Christmas period and around £1bn is spent according to the NWEC.

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles