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.”
