Christmas Lights 2005

The Regent Street ‘Ice Age 2’ sponsored Christmas lights were switched on in spectacular fashion by pop star Lee Ryan on November 5th. You can catch Ice Age 2 the Meltdown in cinemas Easter 2006.

Speaking to Lee prior to the event he said was actually, “very nervous” about turning on the lights as it was such a big occasion. Having admitted rather sheepishly to not having started his Christmas shopping yet, he hinted that he might be hitting the stores of Regent Street soon. “I love shopping on Regent Street,” Lee enthused. “I’m such a window shopper when it comes to deciding what to buy, and I prefer shopping alone to be honest, so there’s less distractions.”

On the subject of what he wanted for Christmas Lee was surprising coy, (but I’m sure a solo number 1 in the charts would be high up on his Christmas list!) “My mum’s always the most difficult person to buy a Christmas present for, I guess that’s always the way if someone’s important to you,” Lee added. “Jewellery’s always a good bet and she likes precious stones so I think that’s what I might buy her.” Lee said he was enjoying life as a solo artist without the rest of the “Blue” boys (of which he was previously a member,) despite missing them on tour and during interviews.

Lee’s recently come back from a tour of Japan as well as singing at the recent ‘Fashion Rocks’ event in Monaco for the designers Dolce & Gabbana. He admitted to being “totally starstruck,” by some of the celebrities attending the event, in particular Jon Bon Jovi and Kasabian, who he’s big fans of. Lee also has a cameo voice role in the 20th Century Fox picture ‘Ice Age 2,’ who sponsored the Regent Street lights this year.“I was thrilled to be involved,” Lee said smiling, “it’s a cool film to work on and my single ‘Real Love,’ plays with the credits, which I’m excited about.”

After the build up to the lights switch on at 6pm, the entertainment continued with Bananarama and Lee Ryan both performing singles and the cast of MAMMA MIA! and Scrooge entertaining the crowds. Most of the stores on Regent Street were opened late until 8pm for the first flutters of Christmas shopping and Hamley’s Christmas lights were also switched on to further light up the street.

Heddon Street was also a flutter of activity on Saturday 5th November as Zinc Bar & Grill hosted a celebratory children’s party with party food and drinks including delicious toffee apples. Children had the opportunity to be photographed outside against an Ice Age 2 themed backdrop with cuddly characters from the Ice Age 2 movie.

Absolut Ice Bar, just a few steeps along from Zinc Bar and Grill, also hosted a private Regent Street lights party with complimentary canapés and drinks and the chance to experience the sub-zero temperatures of the ‘Ice bar’ whilst watching the lights be switched on from specially installed live-relay plasma screens.