Chelsea Christmas lights switch-on increases footfall by over 35%
This year’s spectacular Chelsea Christmas lights switch-on received a huge seal of approval from the more than 220,000 people visiting the district on Saturday 19th November, the second busiest Saturday recorded in the history of the King’s Road.
For the first time the new King’s Road Partnership BID joined with Cadogan to create a Christmas lights scheme along the whole of the King’s Road. Building on the success of Cadogan’s traditional display the new extended Christmas lights is proving a huge draw for local residents and visitors.
The Christmas lights switch-on itself was met by joyful cheers from the crowd as a grand total of 62,000 LED lights sparkled into life across the area, followed immediately by an amazing fireworks display marking the occasion.
Steven Medway, King’s Road Partnership CEO commented: “As always, the Chelsea Christmas Switch On has been the most incredible event and we’re thrilled that we have been able to build on the success of previous years by extending Christmas lights along the King’s Road all the way to Bluebird.
“The Partnership worked closely with Cadogan, Kensington and Chelsea and TFL to pedestrianise part of the King’s Road for only the third time ever, as well as delivering a further 11 lighting columns, an additional six-metre tree opposite the Post Office, a further display at the Cadogan Arms and decorated trees at Royal Avenue and Dove House Green.”
Other crowd-pleasing spectacles on the day included a fabulous fine food market, stilt walkers, a fully-illuminated Sloane Square, Santa’s grotto, glass bauble blowing, complimentary horse and carriage rides, Bavarian Curling and an ice-cool Winter Terrace.
Jo Ethelontis, General Manager of The White Company, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on was truly a magical experience for me, I was blown away by the turnout. It was so lovely to see everyone come together for this special event. The Children singing Christmas carols on stage and the fireworks were exceptional.
“Our neighbourhood BID is really making a difference to the security and environment of our area. I’ve worked in Symons Street for eight years now and have seen a big difference since the BID was put in place.”
Matt Mason, King’s Road BID Board Member and Partner at Crosstree, added: “The entire event was filled with energy and it was amazing to celebrate in a car-free King’s Road.
“We were wowed by all of the food stalls, street entertainers, musicians, Christmas carols, glass blower and crowds of children and adults enjoying the occasion. The fireworks were truly spectacular. Congratulations to the King’s Road BID and Cadogan. This is a great blueprint to work from and continue to shape for years to come.”
Steven continued: “Initial footfall analysis indicates that turnout was almost 35.5% higher than last year’s switch-on.
“This is an extraordinary improvement and the atmosphere was magical. Although there are challenges ahead that are likely to impact spending habits, this doesn’t appear to have dampened festive spirits and we were thrilled to see so many people turn out to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate.
“We would love to understand the true impact of this event and are asking all shops and restaurants to complete our questionnaire.”
Please return your completed form to Charlotte@kingsrdpartnership.com by 30th November, 2022, for a chance to win a bottle of Taittinger champagne.
Keep up to date on all the latest activities happening in the run up to Christmas day by visiting: www.chelseachristmas.co.uk
