Shard show set to light up night sky

South London’s most towering landmark will illuminate Christmas for a fifth year, starting on December 4.

The Shard’s annual festive light show will return as the top 20 storeys of the building illuminate the capital’s skyline, with a special theme that will be unveiled on the first night.

“Shard Lights” will invite Londoners to take a moment out of their busy days to look up and enjoy Western Europe’s highest art installation during the month of December.

The display will animate the sky from dusk until early morning, with one of five colours each day on rotation. There will be an array of visual effects including gradients, patterns and sparkles throughout the evening.

The show will build to a crescendo at midnight and feature special one-off displays to mark the first night and New Year’s Eve.

Michael Baker, chief executive of Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (REM), the asset manager of The Shard, said: “As a beacon for modern London, the owners and occupiers of The Shard wanted to make a fitting contribution to this year’s festivities in the capital.

“In an increasingly connected and 24-hour city, we hope the lighting display from the top of the building adds to this year’s sense of fun and spectacle for both Londoners and visitors alike.”