Northbank switches on the Strand's very first Christmas lights

The Strand has been lit up for the first time with the switching on of its Christmas lights this evening. The milestone event comes 137 years after Northbank became the first area in London to benefit from electric street lighting.

The lights were switched on by the cast of MAMMA MIA! at St Mary Le Strand Church this evening. With the ice rink at Somerset House opening on 18 November, The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre kicking off on 25 November and the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square going up on 3 December, Northbank is shaping up to be London's ultimate Christmas venue this holiday season.

Ruth Duston, CEO of Northbank BID, commented: "This is a landmark event for the Northbank. The Strand is a street rich in history and it is a pleasure to be adding to its heritage with the first Christmas lights. We hope these lights will provide a focal point for Londoners in the run up to Christmas and create a real festive atmosphere in the area."

The cast of MAMMA MIA! sang a medley at the event, led from the piano by Musical Director Marcus Savage. The London production of MAMMA MIA! is based at the Novello Theatre on the Northbank, and since its premiere in 1999 has been seen by over 8 million people in London.

Philip Effemey, the General Manager of MAMMA MIA!, commented: "We were delighted to be asked to switch on the Strand's Christmas lights. Our production has been a part of Northbank since we moved to the Novello in 2012 and our audiences will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere these lights will create as they head to MAMMA MIA!."

The lights will be switched on daily at 4pm from today until the 5th January 2016.

The Northbank Business Improvement District (BID) is the largest BID in London, and includes Aldwych, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the Strand and Embankment.

The Northbank Business Improvement District (BID) is the largest BID in London capturing Aldwych, Strand, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square in its boundary. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area into which businesses are asked to make a financial contribution. The contribution is a small levy determined by the rateable value (RV) of the business.

Complemented by an excellent mix of restaurants, delightful pubs, theatres, and the quality retail of nearby Covent Garden, The Northbank is an excellent blend of old and new creating a sense of place and stability.

BID's have numerous advantages for the area in which they operate. These include: economic growth and investment, improved social well being for employees and residents; and improved public realm through sustainable investment for capital projects and services. The BID's aim is to provide a voice for local businesses in order to create a more appealing environment, reduce crime, promote and market the area.

About MAMMA MIA!:

From West End to global phenomenon, MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer's ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. To date, it has been seen by 60 million people in 49 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office. With its booking period recently extended until 22 October 2016, the show is currently in its 16th playing year in London.

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004. The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre in 2012.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

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