Regent Street Christmas
Lights 2003

Anything but a silent night as Daniel Bedingfield rocks Regent Street.

An estimated 10,000 shoppers packed Regent Street tonight (13 November) to see million-selling singer Daniel Bedingfield switch on the Christmas lights and perform a free live concert in aid of BBC Children in Need. Supporting acts, Amici forever and D-Side took to the stage first to get the crowd in the mood for Christmas.

The world-famous shopping street came alive to the sound of music as Bedingfield performed his two number one singles, 'If You're Not the One' and 'Gotta Get Thru This' before launching into 'Silent Night' as snow fell on the assembled crowds.

Bedingfield, who interrupted his European tour to fly in specially for the performance, said: "I used to come and see the Christmas lights in Regent Street when I was younger, so to switch them on was pretty amazing and a really special way to round off a fantastic year."

The star then sped off by motorbike to meet fans at a star-studded VIP party hosted at Austin Reed on Regent Street.

Organisers were delighted with the turnout. The Regent Street Christmas lights are organised by the Regent Street Association with support from the street's owners, The Crown Estate.

The Crown Estate's David Shaw, Head of Strategy and Development for Regent Street, said: "We are delighted to support the long-standing tradition of the Christmas lights in Regent Street. It's a wonderful place to spend time - as Daniel Bedingfield will testify."