Each Christmas, the three major shopping streets of Oxford Street , Regent Street, and Bond Street are decorated with a dazzling array of festive lights.

Each street has a different theme and are switched on independently of each other over several nights by a well-known personality. Those who has previously turned on the lights include, Sir Richard Branson, the late Princess of Wales, Joan Collins, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sylvester Stallone and the Spice Girls.

Whilst Regent Street's are traditionally the most dramatic, the switching-on ceremony of Oxford Street generally attracts several thousand people who are treated to live musical performances from stars of the moment. Bond Street on the other hand is a more glamerous affair which, in 2007, saw falling fake snow and model Sophie Dahl flip the switch.