Entertainment and Tourism

Trafalgar Square lions come to life

Trafalgar Square’s iconic lions will come to life this Friday thanks to an animation and sound spectacular which forms part of Visit London’s campaign to attract visitors to the capital over the Christmas period.

From 4-9pm on Friday 5 December visitors to the square will witness the 141-year-old lion statue to come to life and talk about the many things to see and do in London over the festive period. The lion’s voice has been recorded by actor Shaun Escoffery, who plays the role of Mufasa in Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

Visit London’s Interim Chief Executive, Sally Chatterjee, said: “London is the best place in the world to be over the festive period, with the famous West End lights, fantastic seasonal theatre shows, ice rinks in amazing locations and a host of exciting winter events.

“The talking lion is part of a wider Visit London campaign to attract visitors to the capital - and encourage Londoners to get out and do more within their own city - over Christmas and New Year.”

One of the highlights the lion will be promoting is the Shop West End VIP Weekend on 6 and 7 December, when shoppers can enjoy entertainment, celebrity appearances and special in-store promotions.

Jace Tyrrell, New West End Company, said: “Shop West End VIP Day is London’s biggest traffic-free shopping event and really kick starts Christmas in the capital. On Saturday 6 December both Regent Street and Oxford Street will be cleared of traffic for a fantastic Christmas shopping experience. Over 100 stores will be pulling out all the stops to make shoppers feel like celebrities with free in-store refreshments, spectacular fashion shows, loads of sales promotions and live music.