Bermondsey schoolchildren are the brains behind this year’s Christmas light display on the top of the Shard, which is illuminating the building throughout December.
The designs, from schoolkids who study in the Bridges Federation, include a Christmas tree, a wrapped present and Father Christmas’s hat. The light-show launched on Monday at 6.30pm.
In order to put the designs into practice, technicians had to install 552 LED lights from 800ft to 1,016ft, with 8,000 metres of cable – roughly the length of 956 London double-decker buses.
“Every year we produce a tremendous display that lights up the London skyline but, as we enter a new decade, we felt that it was time to do something a little different,” said Michael Baker, CEO of The Shard’s management company.
“We are committed to engaging with the local community – something that we have taken great pride in since opening our doors in 2013.
“The fact that London and global audiences will see the children’s magnificent work is hugely gratifying, and ensures that Shard Lights is an exciting event for The Shard’s occupiers and visitors as well as the wider community.”
The pupils’ hard-work in coming up with the designs has been praised by executive headteacher of the federation, Katherine Wooder. The federation runs Snowsfields, Tower Bridge and Robert Browning primary schools.
“The opportunity for our children to take part in such an iconic event was one that we simply couldn’t pass up,” said Ms Wooder.
“We are always looking for unique ways for our pupils to express themselves creatively, and this provides them with one of the biggest stages to do so.
“They have worked tirelessly to create a show that the whole of London can enjoy.”
The lights will run until 30th December with a special finale on the evening of 31st December to celebrate the New Year.
The spire will turn white on New Year’s Eve as Big Ben counts down to 2020, before emulating the firework display in a light show.