What preparations are required in the lead-up to the switch-on?
Refurbishment works begin almost as soon as the decorations are taken down in January and involve James Glancy Design’s team alongside others in and around London, each providing specific skills such as carefully checking the metal structure and rigging of each decoration or methodically testing the thousands of individual lights which make up the scheme.
Meetings are held as early as March between designers, stakeholders, Westminster Council and Transport For London (TFL) to plan installation logistics to minimise disruption to local businesses, residents and public transport and ensure that every street in central London can be dressed in time for the festive season.
During the installation and in the days prior to the switch-on, multiple tests are conducted, and timers are set to finally prepare each individual decoration that lights up Regent Street and St James’s.
We always work closely with our neighbours and local community to ensure our activity has a positive impact on the West End and the wider London area.
What’s the most challenging part of the process, and what are the main obstacles to maintaining the illuminations?
Working at night is a challenge as we need to ensure we minimise disruption to the public and businesses around London. The teams often work from 8pm to 6am facing wintery conditions to make sure that the streets look spectacular. However, the team are used to this – a classic motto of the install team is, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
We must also be mindful of the historic nature of our local architecture and the area in general. We work with the Council, local residents and businesses to ensure that all works are heritage-led and sympathetic to protected sites. This is another reason that the history of the area is a key inspiration for design.
Finally, safety is a primary focus, with systems and methods frequently reviewed to ensure that both the public and the teams on site are protected at all times. This is our most important ‘challenge’ and is always the first consideration in all of our work.
What does the perfect festive day along Regent Street look like to you?
To me, the perfect festive day on Regent Street is a delightful blend of exploration and relaxation, immersing myself in the area’s charm without the rush.
I always love a visit to the smaller streets, which have their own unique vibrancy and hidden gems. There are a few hidden cafes and speakeasies in the quiet corners of the neighbourhoods, such as the Green Bar, Hidden Heddon, or Aqua Spirit with its Japanese influences. There are also independent shops dotted around such as Earl of East in Quadrant Arcade, ideal for picking up special, uniquely-made gifts and trinkets for friends and family. You can also grab a shopping pick-me-up in cafes hidden within stores, like People’s Place at Tommy Hilfiger.
We have a great programme of pop-up experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, so I’d check out The Banksy Exhibition, and explore the newest addition to Regent Street, the immersive Glossier Fragrance Experience – a sensory blending of visuals, sounds, and distinct personalities in different booths.