It's almost that time of the year again when the Oxford Street Christmas lights are switched on, making the start of the festive shopping season in London. This year, the honour of switching on the lights has fallen to… Rita Ora! The Your Song singer said: "London is my home so switching on the Oxford Street lights means a lot to me. I used to love coming to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights when I was younger, so this means even more to me. I wish everyone a magical Christmas."
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The Switch On show will kick off at 5pm on Tuesday 7 November and will be hosted by Capital Breakfast's Roman Kemp and Vick Hope. "The Oxford Street Christmas Lights are an iconic part of the festive season in London. I'm so excited to be hosting the Switch On event with Vick," said Roman. "We can't wait to join tens of thousands of Londoners and celebrate the start of Christmas festivities across the city."
Rita Ora will switch on the lights
Matt Terry and 5 After Midnight will perform on the night. Members of the cast from the Tony-Award nominated musical, Five Guys Named Moe, will also make a special appearance, bringing the audience a high-octane 1940s, New Orleans-themed jazz show.
Over 750,000 bright white LED bulbs and 1,778 baubles will decorate the mile-long stretch of Oxford Street, taking inspiration from falling snowflakes to create the real feeling that Christmas is coming. For the second year running, Oxford Street has partnered with the NSPCC, coinciding with the charity's 'Light Up Christmas for Children' campaign. The Switch On is also being run in partnership with Sky Cinema.
Shops around the nation are gearing up for Christmas, with festival sales already in full swing. Tesco's popular 3 for 2 toy sale is due to start on Friday 27 October and will last for just three days. Tesco recently revealed its top ten Christmas gifts for children; among the top ten are the L.O.L Big Surprise Ball, Guardians of the Galaxy 6 Pack, My Little Pony Mega Collection Pack and the PJ Masks Headquarters.