2004 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Oxford Street

The ceremony for the switching on of the Oxford Street lights took place outside Selfridges.
The theme for the lights was London's bid for the 2012 Olympics.
Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone gave a short speech in support of London's bid.

5 Olympic gold medalists appeared on stage.
Sir Steve Redgrave has won 4 Olympic gold medals for rowing.
The 4x100m sprint relay squad won gold medals in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Olympic gold medalists: 4x100m Sprint Relay Squad

Sir Steve Redgrave

The lights represent the colours of the Olympic rings

After the lights have been turned on "snow" falls down onto the spectators

Emma Watson (who plays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films) also appeared. The DVD to the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is released soon. There is a light display each night during which the lights move to the sound of the film's soundtrack.

Il Divo - a new operatic vocal group produced by Simon Cowell - performed "O Holy Night" and "Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi)". Their powerful voices and good looks have taken them to the top of the album chart in the UK. After performing they went to greet some of their fans and to sign autographs.

In 2004 the theme of the Regent Street lights is the film The Incredibles.

The actor Samuel L Jackson, who provides the voices one of the character Frozone in "The Incredibles", appeared on stage.

The lights were turned on by the British boy band Busted, who also performed several of their hit records.
A screen was set up on Regent Street to allow the large crowds to see the stage.

Samuel L Jackson

Busted

Live: A Ticket For Everyone (CD album) Artist: Busted Label: Island Date: November 2004