Carnaby launches first-ever 360° Xmas lights installation

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 13, 2020

Shopping destinations have continued to invest in their Christmas lights this year, despite record low footfall that means fewer people than usual will see them. So to ensure they’ll be viewed by as many people as possible, a number of them have also launched digital versions.

The latest is London’s Carnaby, which unveiled its Christmas installation last week and has now unveiled the full experience on its website, Carnaby.co.uk, with the launch of a new 360° e-tour.

Viewers can enter Carnaby Street and step under the world-famous arch with the choice of ‘walking’ down either at street level, or 10ft high in the sky, “gliding through the giant pink neon glow Christmas light installation like never before”.

They can also virtually visit the adjoining Kingly Court that’s covered in thousands of sparkly Christmas lights, or visit cobbled Newburgh Street with its pink festoon lights, and Ganton Street with its giant pink lightbulb installation. 

The experience includes a live function where the user can join up with someone anywhere in the world to take the tour at the same time.

Simon Quayle, Director at landlord Shaftesbury said: “We hope it will encourage visitors to come and see them for themselves if and when they can safely.” 

Given that many people who view the lights this year will be doing so online rather than in person, the website is also offering an exclusive online shopping event, where each day participating shops and restaurants will offer a selection of online promotions and discounts. 

Those taking part include Sweaty Betty, Too Faced, Dirty Bones, MAC, Muji and Havaianas, which will be offering between 20% and 50% off on selected days. There will also be exclusive promotions or gift-with-purchase promotions from stores including Superga, Canvas Collection, Cahoots, A.P.C and ba&sh, among others.