The UK’s tallest building kicks off the festive season with Gareth Malone OBE conducting an exclusive carol performance 867 feet up in the Spire of The Shard
Visible from over 40 miles away, this year’s show is inspired by the nation’s favourite Christmas carols

A Starry Night at The Shard

Last night, I attended one of the most enchanting events of the festive season—The Shard’s 2024 Christmas lights switch-on. This annual tradition has always been a highlight of London’s Christmas celebrations, but this year, it soared to even greater heights—867 feet above sea level, to be precise!

The moment was nothing short of magical. Gareth Malone OBE, a celebrated British composer, stood in the exposed Spire of the UK’s tallest building, accompanied by a six-person choir. Together, they delivered a spine-tingling rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The hauntingly beautiful carol echoed through the chilly November air, marking the start of the holiday season in true style.

The Theme: A Tribute to Christmas Carols

This year’s light display is a tribute to the nation’s most beloved Christmas carols, with We Wish You a Merry Christmas shining as the theme. The dazzling lights will transform London’s skyline every evening until New Year’s Eve, casting a festive glow visible from over 40 miles away.

As I stood beneath the towering structure, the lights illuminated the city, creating a breathtaking panorama. It was a moment that felt larger than life, blending the magic of music, the beauty of Christmas, and the grandeur of London.

Why This Event Matters

The Shard’s Christmas lights switch-on isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of tradition and innovation. It’s about bringing people together, whether it’s the thousands who will admire the display from afar or those of us lucky enough to witness the performance live.

For Gareth Malone, the evening held special significance. His record-breaking performance in the Spire wasn’t just about the music—it was about creating a memory that Londoners and visitors will cherish throughout the season.

Visit and Experience the Lights

If you’re in London this winter, don’t miss this incredible display. Whether you’re walking along the Thames, admiring the city from Tower Bridge, or gazing from 40 miles away, The Shard’s lights promise to add a touch of Christmas magic to your evening.

The lights will be on until New Year’s Eve, so you have plenty of time to experience the festive spirit. And who knows? You might even feel inspired to hum along to your favourite carol as you take in the view.

You can find more details about Gareth Malone’s performance and an insider look at the event, scroll down to the official press release we’ve included for your convenience.

THE SHARD SHIMMERS: HIGHEST EVER CAROL PERFORMANCE ILLUMINATES THE LONDON SKYLINE TO LAUNCH ANNUAL LIGHT DISPLAY

London, 14th November 2024 – A record-breaking carol performance atop The Shard launched the skyscraper’s dazzling annual Christmas light display.

Led by choirmaster Gareth Malone OBE and his six-person choir, the chorale sung a breathtaking rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas 78 storeys high, within the exposed Spire of the UK’s tallest building.

At 867 feet above sea level, the performance marked the highest-ever Christmas carol recital on top of a building and was the perfect accompaniment at the switch-on of the annual light display – which can be seen from over 40 miles away.

This year’s Shard Lights is themed around the nation’s favourite Christmas carols, with ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ taking top spot in a poll*, followed by Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas and Deck the Halls – all of which inspired the key elements of the display sequence.

Gareth Malone OBE says, “Christmas is truly a time where singing can bring so many people together. To lead a performance of the nation’s favourite carol from such an iconic stage – literally from the top of the UK – is an excellent way to kick off the festive season.

“Seeing the final result of how my arrangement has inspired this amazing light show is really a breathtaking moment, and having it light up the London skyline for Christmas is a privilege. Performing with my hand-picked choir at almost 900 feet above sea level and being a part of this musical collaboration has been a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Christmas!”

The spectacular light show is powered by 575 energy-efficient LED light units illuminating the top 20-storeys of the iconic building and sees four 15-minute festive light sequences appear every hour, from now until New Year’s Eve.

Michael Baker, CEO of REM, asset manager of The Shard, commented, “What better way to pay homage to the nation’s favourite Christmas carols than by partnering with musical icon, Gareth Malone for a very special performance in the spire of The Shard. Our nod to these much-loved melodies in the annual Shard Lights display are sure to touch the hearts of people in London and further afield and kick start the festive season in dazzling style.”