London’s Kids Xmas Lights project has returned to Soho for a third year in a row – with 14 new winners.
Soho Parish Primary School pupils and proud parents joined singer and Loose Women co-host Brenda Edwards and the Lord Mayor of Westminster cllr Patricia McAllister, to switch on this year’s lights during a ceremony in Archer Street last night.
Some 130 students designed Christmas street lighting based on the themes of lighting, identity of place, and fashion inspired by their local area with a lucky 14 having theirs exhibited across Soho.
Kamila Zelazko, 8, said she was delighted to be one of them and said her Christmas cat cupcake with a flower design was inspired by her love of cats. This can be found on the corner of Beak Street and Upper James Street.
Mum Natalia said: “I am so excited and very happy. I didn’t believe it at first. It’s very important for kids because they can realise their ambitions here. They can move ahead because they understand that this is important in their life and they feel they can achieve their dreams”.
Vesper Barrett, 6, and Emberly Macklin, 6, said it was “amazing and really nice” to see their drawings turned into Christmas lights.
Emberly designed a patterned Christmas bauble because she sees patterns on dresses all the time.
Vesper’s design of one of Santa’s reindeers with a Christmas hat and sparkle won awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Lighting Industry Association.
The lights can be seen on the corner or Archer Street and Rupert Street and Soho Square.
Vesper’s dad David said the project, which is run by Architecture for kids CIC, means a lot to the kids and the area.
He said: “There is often one view of Soho and that is it’s an entertainment area but there are businesses and schools here. When you get out and see things like this it reminds you that are are part of the community. It’s very important as it shows the range and diversity of Soho.”
Seraphine Bhajun, who won last year, said seeing her work lit up made her feel special. She said: “It means I can get my work shown and it is valued.”
The children researched local buildings, communities, cultures and traditions – exploring the role light plays in each of them and how they create feelings of identity and a sense of place.
They also visited the London Fashion and Textile Museum for inspiration.
There are now a total of 49 lighting displays created by students scattered across the area.
Hannah Peaty, assistant head teacher at Soho Parish School, said: “I can’t believe this is the 3rd annual edition, and pupils’ designs are getting more and more experimental and challenging.
“The community is very supportive and goes out of their way to make the it happen… [It] does indeed bring the community together through a celebration of light during the darkest months of the year!”
Antonio Capelao, architect and co-founding director Architecture for kids CIC, said: “It’s such an inspiring and motivating project for the children to be taking part in – giving them confidence as designers and makers that can contribute to the local environment and community.
“Seeing their artwork lit up around the streets of Soho is such a Christmas gift and something to be proud of for many years to come.”
West End cllr Patrick Lilley, who was credited for helping bring the project to life, said: “This collaboration is more than just an annual event; it’s a synergy of creativity and architectural sensibilities that transforms Soho’s streets into a winter wonderland.”
The project was funded by a number of partners including Westminster City Council, Shaftesbury Capital, Archer Street Bars.
