The Oxford Street Christmas Lights Switch On has been the most important moment in the calendar for the New West End Company, which represents retailers in Britain's most prestigious shopping district.
Wilde Ones have managed the production for the Oxford Street Lights Switch On for its last 4 years, raising the level of production to make it the UK's premier Christmas lights switch on event.
The event has drawn stars from The Saturdays and Cheryl Cole to Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora, and attracts tens of thousands of people to London each year for a spectacular start to the festive season.
Photo: © Haze Photography
Due to space, time and traffic restrictions, the stage had to be positioned and built partially on the road.
The stage location meant a detailed planning process to minimise disruption to London's transport network on one of the UK's busiest streets.
Linking up closely with Westminster City Council, LSTCC and Sola Associates Traffic Management, a plan was devised to allow buses to run freely for as long as possible whilst the stage was being built.
Photo: © Haze Photography
With a very limited working space and time of the essence, the key to success was a strict schedule and robust management structure.
Delegating each element to a specific manager allowed total control of the build process and enabled a consistent message to all suppliers working on site.
Our experienced team have great knowledge of urban events in central London and are used to handling the high-pressure environment that these high-profile events create.
Photo: © Haze Photography
The event always requires a unique and progressive look, and new technologies were brought to centre stage.
Working with lighting wizard Paul De Villiers and LED-screen specialists Video Wall Technologies, flexible LED mesh was premiered for the first time on Oxford Street.
The combination of LED mesh, LED screen backdrop and stunning lighting design meant that the stakes were raised year on year.
Photo: © Haze Photography
With the button pushed and the crowds dissipating along with the CO2, the final phase began. The all important de-rig.
With traffic on hold until the street was clear, the race was on to remove all infrastructure as soon as possible.
The re-opening of London's streets on time is as important to us as the switch on moment. Our track record on Oxford Street speaks for itself, with roads open on time at all events we've managed.
Photo: © Haze Photography
• Event Production, Operation & Onsite Management
• Budget Management
• Site & Stage Design
• CAD Design
• Branding & Print Management
• Scheduling
• Liaison with Westminster City Council & associated agencies
• Client & Content management liaison
• Continuous liaison with infrastructure and AV contractors
• Stage Management
• Screen Content Management
• Contracting local crew, staff and contractors
Photo: © Haze Photography