The world-famous Oxford Street Christmas lights switched on and sparkled with the help of Tom Grennan, award-winning singer and songwriter and Emily Mullen, a patient who received life-changing care from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Tom and Emily, who experienced the magic of the iconic festive lights, have officially kicked off Christmas in the capital as thousands of brilliant white stars line Europe’s longest shopping street, spanning 1.5 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. The display, featuring over 300,000 LED star lights, provides a stunning backdrop for visitors exploring the city.
Tom who released his brand new festive single on the same day, It Can’t Be Christmas teased the upcoming hit, releasing the upbeat, feel-good track exclusively on Amazon Music.
With a Christmas hit shared with the world, it only seemed fitting to have the 29-year-old songwriter officially welcome Christmas shoppers from around the world to the destination, “It’s a huge honour to be invited to turn on this years’ Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Turning on the lights is the perfect way to kick off the festive season and there’s nowhere more iconic than Oxford Street.”
“Christmas is all about family, food and chill. I’m very lucky to be able to say that because, for many, Christmas is a difficult time. For me, it’s something I look forward to. I’m usually back at my mum and dad’s, and sometimes they stay with me. I still call their house my home, even though I have my own place. I love going back to Bedford, and I don’t think that will ever change.”
Tom shares what happens on a typical Christmas Day, “Our usual Christmas Day is all about chilling, eating and watching things like Only Fools and Horses, The Royle Family and then playing loads of games.”
With the light switch-on complete, Tom was asked whether he’d consider appearing in a Christmas advert. “I would say my dream advert to appear in would feature my new song with Amazon Music, It Can’t Be Christmas. If I saw that on TV, as an iconic Christmas advert it would have to appear for John Lewis or Coca Cola.”
Emily Mullen, who helped light up Oxford Street’s stars, was born with a severe heart condition and spent the first three months of her life at GOSH, undergoing open heart surgery at only seven days old. When Emily was transferred back to her local hospital, she was only given 24 hours to live. Fast forward a few years, and GOSH have since given Emily life-changing heart surgery. Emily also has severe sight loss and has multiple conditions that GOSH continue to support her with.
Emily’s guardian, Val shares just how special Christmas is for her family. “Christmas is a special time of year for Emily as she can see all the lights and feel all the magic. For us, Christmas is all about family time, making memories and making sure Emily enjoys every bit of it. When she was a baby, I was told she wouldn’t make Christmas, so it’s a very special time of year for us.”
Throughout the festive period, members of the public can shop merchandise from GOSH Charity and make life-changing donations via the Oxford Street website.
