Jim Carrey illuminates London for Christmas

The Christmas lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street have been switched on at the same time by two A-list actors. Jim Carrey and Colin Firth were at the helm of the switches for Oxford Street and Regent Street respectively and they both turned the lights on at exactly 18:15 GMT. This year the lights have been themed around Charles Dickens’ famous novel ‘A Christmas Carol’. St Paul’s Cathedral enjoyed Bob Hoskins’ presence as he led the celebrations at the well known landmark.

After the lights were successfully illuminated, the world premiere of the film adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ made by Disney was opened in three different London theatres. All three actors star in the new movie, expected to be a huge hit this Christmas, with British actor Bob Hoskins providing the voice of Mr Fezziwig and a pawnbroker in the film. The lights are set to be lit every day as soon as darkness falls and they will last until the 6th of January 2010.

There have been many versions of the novel played out on the big screen over the years, but star Jim Carrey claims this version is by far the best yet and described the Christmas carolers as singing beautifully during the festivities. Peter Andre, Spandau Ballet, The Saturdays and The Noisettes all provided musical entertainment for the special occasion. 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the capital’s Christmas light displays and it is the first time ever that the lights have been switched on simultaneously.