Davina McCall switched on London's tallest Christmas tree last night, a 67ft installation located outside the Pan Pacific Hotel near Liverpool Street. The tree, sponsored by the Eastern City Business Improvement District (BID), features more than 100,000 lights and is surrounded by six Dickensian figures.
The lighting ceremony included stilt-walking nutcracker characters and a gospel choir. After the switch-on, McCall joined Eastern City BID CEO Kate Hart on stage for a rendition of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas'.
McCall commented on the occasion, stating, "I love it when the lights start going on – it means that we’re allowed to play Mariah!" She also spoke about Christmas being a time for hope and coming together.
The Eastern City Christmas tree will be on display until January 9, 2027. Other festive experiences sponsored by the Eastern City BID include a Letters to Santa scheme, a traditional Christmas Sweet Cart, the Eastern City Festive Fair, Christmas Creative Workshops, Dickensian Christmas Walking Tours, and a visit from Santa.