The southern lights

Critics of the South Bank say it does little to lift the spirit, but a new interactive display there may encourage people to see it in a new light.

The Shell Electric Storm combines nature with electrical power to stunning visual effect.

Stretching for half a kilometre, it is the first winter attraction of its kind, reflecting changes in the weather with constantly shifting displays of light, sound and music.

The installation was turned on last night and the hub is in the Jubilee Gardens. It has "weather stations" that register the nuances of the weather.

This triggers changes in the light and music, with thousands of nozzles fixed into the trees that shoot spurts of water into the air.

Visitors will be able to walk between two rows of trees, from near the London Eye to the IBM building.