This week marked a very special time of year in the Marble Arch area – the Edgware Road Christmas Lights Switch On! On Tuesday, 14 November, 14 pupils from Hampden Gurney school helped Dex Lee, who stars as Know Moe in the Marble Arch Theatre award-winning musical ‘Five Guys Named Moe’, switched on the Edgware Road Christmas Lights!

Before the official lighting, As Nature Intended very kindly brought some delicious hot chocolate and various treats, like panettone and gluten-free stollen, to make sure all guests were ready for the night’s festivities.

Simon Loomes, the BID’s Vice Chairman, welcomed our treasured guests to the second annual Christmas illuminations of Edgware Road. Kay Buxton, our Chief Executive, thanked the various and essential partners involved in making the wonderful event come to fruition, as well as read the poem ‘Contrasts: Marble Arch to Edgware’ by John Betjeman, Britain’s Poet Laureate (1972-1984).

The big moment did not disappoint as Dex Lee (Know Moe) and the lucky pupils from Hampden Gurney led the crowd in counting down from 10 to press the shining button and illuminate Edgware Road for Christmas!

Following the lighting, the children’s choir from The Church of the Annunciation Marble Arch firmly set the Christmas spirit as they guided the attendees in singing carols and hymns.

Last, but certainly not least, The Pickled Hen hosted a top-notch reception to thank all those involved. The evening was made complete with mulled wine for the adults, haribo for the children, and delicious snacks of bite-size brisket burgers, mini mac and cheese, shrunken scotch eggs, finger-licking fried halloumi, and bitty brownies!

With the help of the Hampden Gurney children, Dex Lee (Know Moe) and all partners involved, we were able to do just as Betjeman exclaims in his poem and let “Edgware Road be our abode, and let us hear your message”. And the message is Christmas cheer!