The Shard lights up for festive period with display that will run until New Year’s Eve

Britain’s tallest festive lights have returned for 2023 as The Shard lit up last night with a captivating display that will run until New Year’s Eve.

Last night the top 20 storeys of the iconic London landmark will light up the skies every night from 5pm.

Visible from over 40 miles away, Londoners can see glimpse of colour and festive spirit as they travel around the city.

The dynamic display incorporates three designs created by the London School of Mosaic (LSoM). People in the capital will be able to see the snowman, festive candle and festive pattern designs every night.

Stephen Norman Young, one of the artists who helped create the mosaic inspired designs, said: “This will be one of the highest Christmas decorations in Western Europe and one of the most iconic buildings in London.

“I’m really proud of being part of this partnership that has been formed between the LSoM, The Shard, the community and myself. Just like a mosaic, all these different pieces are coming together to make something grand and beautiful for everyone to look at.”

The concepts started as hand drawings, before being turned into physical mosaics by the artisans working with tiles, during a festive workshop at the LSoM art school in Belsize Park.

The festive lights collaboration is part of The Shard’s broader partnership with the LSoM through which it has sponsored a panel of the 57-metre new mural being installed on the piazza outside the building.

The mural, A Thousand Streams, reflects the kaleidoscope of life that spills from London Bridge station into the capital.

Silvie Jacobi, co-founder of LSoM said: ”We’re humbled and very excited to be helping create what must be the highest public art in London, with three very different festive designs which underline the different aesthetic qualities of mosaic from patterns.

“This year’s Shard Lights mosaic theme bridges the gap between the lighting project and the artist who inspired the London Bridge mosaic, while also positioning The Shard’s spire as a distinct piece of public art.”

Michael Baker, chief executive of REM, asset manager of The Shard, said: “This collaboration allows us to reflect the vibrancy of London at Christmas, a city that is truly one-of-a-kind and embraced by people from all walks of life. London, much like a mosaic, is an amalgamation of individual people and elements that, when brought together, form something incredibly powerful and inspiring.”

Pictured top: The Shard lights up with a festive display (Picture: The Shard)