Disney's A Christmas Carol stars to illuminate London
Story by Jack Foley
THE stars of Disney’s A Christmas Carol will illuminate London, getting the capital’s biggest ever festive season off to a glittering start ahead of the film’s world premiere in Leicester Square.
It has also just been announced that St Paul’s Cathedral will join the West End’s Oxford Street and Regent Street on November 3 as the third location celebrating the launch of Disney’s movie.
Bob Hoskins will get the festivities underway in the very heart of Dickens’ London, at St Paul’s Cathedral, Colin Firth will push the button to light up Regent Street, and Jim Carrey will light up Oxford Street.
Further announcements will follow about additional stars from music and theatre who will take part in the dazzling celebrations.
As part of the evening’s festivities, St Paul’s Cathedral Choir will perform, joining London in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest ever Christmas Carol sing-a-long.
From tomorrow, people can vote at www.londonschristmascarol.com for their favourite Christmas Carol to be performed on the night.
Once the votes are counted, and the crowds are gathered across London for the World Premiere and the Christmas lights celebration, the choir will join the capital in song as the record attempt begins.
The inclusion of St Paul’s Cathedral as the City of London location ensures that the capital’s festivities embrace the very heart of Dickens’ London.
The City’s streets and alleyways are home to many of the buildings that Dickens would have known and which are referenced in his works, including A Christmas Carol, which, in 1843 helped re-define the Christmas period as the festive season of goodwill to all and re-popularised Christmas amongst the people.
In the weeks following the start of the dazzling Christmas celebrations, a large number of events have been programmed by the City’s venues to tie in with this traditional festive theme and with Dickens’ work.
The City event is sponsored by the City of London Corporation and the Cheapside Initiative, a partnership representing the vibrant Cheapside area.
Once one of London’s great shopping districts, it is set to rediscover its glory days of old when building developments including One New Change are completed later next year.
Bob Hoskins, who plays Old Fezziweg and Old Joe in the film, said: “It’s a fantastic privilege to be involved in such a huge London event, especially as I will be starting the celebrations at St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of Dickensian London.
“The film is a fantastic achievement using ground-breaking technology and perfect for the whole family this Christmas time.”
Tickets are now on sale at www.londonschristmascarol.com for the public to take part in the world premiere which is in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
A donation will be made to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (Registered Charity no. 235825) as part of Disney’s partnership with the hospital, to help towards an ongoing Disney campaign to raise an invaluable £10 million towards their much-needed redevelopment appeal.