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![]() Monday, December 22, 1997 Published at 15:30 GMT ![]() ![]() ![]() Special Report ![]() London's bright past ![]() The West End stage brought yuletide imagination to Regent Street in 1994
When Christmas lights were frirst switched on in Central London, they were such a great attraction they inspired an unsuccessful attempt in the House of Lords to bring action against those responsible for causing chaos and obstruction.
But, for the last three years, we've had Flashing Crowns with Stars in Regent Street and a hotch potch of Christmas motifs in Oxford Street.
Other incidents of note, aside from the comings and goings of the funding saga, have been the fall of an 18-inch electric candle from its fitting over Oxford Street in 1959. It happened again later that same year, but this time the falling article was 15ft long and this time it caused a death.
In 1963, the lighting up of London was postponed as a mark of respect to the recently assassinated John F Kennedy.
And in 1989, the great switch on in Oxford Street bowed to the power of pop celebrity, waiting several weeks past its usual mid-November date for Kylie Minogue to make a window in her hectic schedule.
And in Regent Street, the lucky candidate joins a long line of Royals and choice notables such as former Prime Minister, John Major, and champion jockey Frankie Detorri.
Electric stars may now be no competition for the human kind but the annual illumination of London continues to be an integral part of the country's Christmas preparations.
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