November in London moved from fireworks and remembrance to the first Christmas lights in this full Roberts London episode. Across the month, I visited Victoria Park, Oxford Street, Whitehall, the Tower of London, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
The film premiered on 23 December 2018 and brings those November outings together in one episode. It records the events as I saw them at the time, including the rain, crowds and occasional change of plan. The photographs below are stills from the original film.
Guy Fawkes Night in Victoria Park
I began in Bethnal Green before heading to Victoria Park for its Guy Fawkes Night fireworks. In the introduction, I gave my light-hearted account of the failed Gunpowder Plot before making my way into the dark park.
There were food trucks and drinks stalls, and I could smell barbecue as I arrived. The crowd was enormous. It was difficult to show much of the park in the darkness, but the fireworks gave the camera something much brighter to follow.
After the display, I described the show as phenomenal. I had been coming for years and felt both the spectacle and the crowd had grown. Then came the practical part of the evening: heading for the Tube along with thousands of other people.
Oxford Street’s first Christmas lights
The next outing took me to Oxford Street on 6 November, the evening its Christmas lights were switched on. This visit had a different atmosphere from the large street parties I remembered. Traffic was still moving, and there was no big closure or celebration for me to join.
Instead, I walked along the street to look at the lights and store windows. Construction work outside Selfridges was still very noticeable. It was an early look at the season, with preparations continuing around the decorations.
By Oxford Circus, plenty of people were taking photographs. I stopped to reflect on the lights before carrying on with the month’s filming. The busy shopping street was beginning to look festive, even while ordinary London life continued beneath it.
Remembrance in the rain
The tone changed for the visit to Whitehall. It was a very wet November evening, just before the national remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph. I spoke about Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the centenary of the end of the First World War.
I bought a poppy, then decided to put it on later because of the rain. From Westminster, I planned to take the Tube to Tower Hill to see the remembrance installation in the Tower of London moat.
The crowds at the Tower were substantial, and umbrellas made the view more difficult. I pointed out the large screens that had been installed. Eventually, I found a place where I could catch a glimpse of the moat, although I could not see the whole installation. That limited view, and the queue of people hoping to see more, are what this part of the episode records.
Regent Street’s switch-on and a look at Carnaby
Later in the month, I headed towards Regent Street for its Christmas lights event. I began near St James’s, then walked towards the stretch between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. The decorations were already overhead, but the main Regent Street lights had not yet been switched on.
At Piccadilly Circus, the road was closed to traffic and a large crowd had gathered around the stage. I worked my way towards a better view of the street. The countdown led into fireworks and the illuminated angels, with the buildings providing a grand setting for the display.
The film also includes ballet beneath the lights. It is a lovely contrast with the fireworks: the same street becomes a space for performance, with people watching from either side.
While nearby, I took a look at Carnaby Street’s alternative decorations. That year’s theme drew on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and the film release. Back near St James’s, the Christmas tree was already attracting people taking photographs. The evening offered several different versions of Christmas within a short walk.
Covent Garden, Floral Court and Seven Dials
Covent Garden was another switch-on evening. I arrived to find the lights and decorations in place, with a stage and a crowd in the piazza. I explained that these events had included performances connected with the nearby West End theatres, and I was hoping to enjoy the show as well as the lights.
While waiting, I stepped into Floral Court. Christmas trees with small lights filled the courtyard, adding a quieter festive setting away from the main crowd. The film then returns to the switch-on and a walk through the decorated market area.
Afterwards, I headed towards Seven Dials to see whether its lights were on too. They were installed but still unlit. I showed that glimpse of Christmas yet to come and left another visit for later. The month did not transform all at once; different streets reached their festive moment on different evenings.
Winter Wonderland, bratwurst and mulled wine
The final outing brings the episode to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland on its opening night. It was a freezing evening, and I set out to find something warm to eat and drink while looking around the rides and lights.
I made my way to the Bavarian Village, which I described as my favourite part of the event. Then I bought a spicy bratwurst. The sauce dispensers amused me, and I added ketchup and mustard before trying it. My verdict was that it was hot, spicy and delicious, with a smoky flavour from the barbecue.
A cup of mulled wine followed. I carried on looking around with the drink, surrounded by the fairground lights. It was already busy on opening night, although I expected the crowds to grow as Christmas approached. The episode closes with that final wander and a festive greeting.
Watch November in London: Christmas Is Coming
The full episode runs for 40 minutes and 41 seconds. Watch below for the fireworks, the remembrance visit, the Christmas light switch-ons and the Winter Wonderland food stop. It is a record of November 2018, originally premiered on 23 December that year.
For more from these evenings, see my Oxford Street Christmas lights 2018 and Regent Street Christmas lights 2018 articles.
