Regent Street casts Christmas net wide with web of lights

THE first of London's Christmas lights have been switched on in Regent Street.

More than 50,000 people watched pop band McFly start a fireworks display which inaugurated the pre-Christmas tradition.

Nets with thousands of energy-efficient bulbs have been strung across the street to give the impression of walking under the stars. The display is promoting the street's claim to be London's best shopping destination, particularly with the double threat of the economic downturn and the new Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush.

McFly Bass guitarist Dougie Paynter said: "It was awesome and there was so many people there to see it. The lights are going to look really cool." Previous guests invited to turn on the lights include Diana, Princess of Wales, Kylie Minogue and jockey Frankie Dettori.