Carnaby is world renowned for it’s Christmas installations and this year a kaleidoscope of 600 neon sparkling butterflies are fluttering through this iconic London destination. For those unable to visit in person, Carnaby has an online 360° experience that allows visitors to fly through the streets and get up close to the installation. The added bonus is that you can share the digital experience with anyone else in the world at the same time, making this a sharable immersive experience you can enjoy from home for free.

Viewers can enter Carnaby Street on the 360° virtual tour under the landmark arch which is embellished in pink sequins and 3D butterflies, then choose to fly through at street level, or 10ft high in the sky, gliding through the shimmering Kaleidoscope of butterflies. Explore Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street, Foubert’s Place and Kingly Court or venture on to Ganton Street to fly through the giant rainbow lightbulb installation.

Simon Quayle, Director, Shaftesbury says: “We are delighted to be able to share the Carnaby Christmas experience in this digital way. We hope that the 360° tour brings fun and joy to family and friends around the world to see the amazing installation.”

The theme of the 2021 installation is Carnaby Kaleidoscope and is a partnership with the Choose Love charity who have a pop up at 3 Carnaby Street. The inspiration is to highlight butterflies’ powerful metaphoric representations of life exemplifying spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope and life. By definition, the meaning of Kaleidoscope is not only a term for a group of butterflies but also a constantly changing pattern or sequence of elements.

Dawn O’Porter, Choose Love ambassador says: “I’m so excited that Choose Love is popping up in Carnaby again this winter and it is magical to see the beautiful Choose Love inspired Christmas light installation on Carnaby Street.”

May 2023 issue

2023 A1 Buyers Guide