Crowds turned out in force to see Sherlock and Hobbit star Martin Freeman switch on the festive lights in Marylebone village.
The Merry Marylebone Christmas Lights event saw broadcaster Jo Good, who lives in the area, host the stage in Devonshire Street from 3pm 8pm last night (November 13), with the official switch on at 6pm.
To celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season, there was an evening of late-night shopping, market stalls, a Santa’s grotto, a ferris wheel, and live music in Marylebone Lane, Moxon Street, New Cavendish Street, Devonshire Street, Paddington Street, Blandford Street and George Street.
There was also a charity tombola on Marylebone High Street offering the chance to win prizes from a host of Marylebone Village brands.
The event was organised and funded by the area's landowner The Howard de Walden Estate, with proceeds from activities like the grotto and tombola supporting charity partner Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Funds raised will help staff at the hospital bring joy to the wards and create magical memories – whether through bedside carols or Christmas parties.
It will also help fund support services like free accommodation so loved ones can be there for stocking unwrapping to bedtime stories on Christmas night.
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