Join in the festivities on Tuesday 8 November 2011 with Sony Pictures and Aardman as Regent Street’s festive activities celebrate the 3D cinema release of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

World famous shopping and lifestyle destination Regent Street, London W1 is pleased to announce its annual switch-on of Christmas lights, this year adorned with extra festive flair as it celebrates the eagerly anticipated release of the 3D family movie, ARTHUR CHRISTMAS, starring a stellar line-up of UK talent including Bill Nighy, James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Ashley Jensen.

From 5pm on Tuesday 8th November 2011, there will be fun and entertainment for all the family, culminating with the countdown to the all-important switch-on moment when the skies will be lit to herald the start of the Christmas season. Hosted by Jamie Theakston & Emma Bunton from London’s Heart 106.2, the full line-up of stars attending the event will be announced shortly.

After the event shoppers will be able walk the Mile of Style under a canopy of glittering lights whilst they seek out that special Christmas gift from the wide array of flagship stores along Regent Street, including Omega, Gant, Ferrari, Banana Republic, Armani Exchange, Anthropologie, Jaeger, Liberty, Apple and Michael Kors. Visitors can then extend the Christmas cheer in one of the many restaurants and bars on offer and even enjoy a cocktail with a roof top view of the lights at Aqua.

Released on 11th November 2011, the 3D, CGI-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, reveals the incredible, never-before-seen answer to every child’s question: “So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?” The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero: Santa’s youngest son, Arthur. When this amazing operation misses one child out of hundreds of millions, the least capable Claus embarks on a hilariously exciting rogue mission against the clock to deliver the last present before Christmas morning dawns.

Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation present an Aardman production, Arthur Christmas. Starring; James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Ashley Jensen. Directed by Sarah Smith. Produced by; Peter Lord, David Sproxton, Carla Shelley and Steve Pegram. Written by; Peter Baynham & Sarah Smith.

David Shaw, Head of Regent Street Portfolio at The Crown Estate, said: “With Sony Pictures and Aardman as our partner celebrating the release of Arthur Christmas, Regent Street’s Christmas lights switch-on this year will yet again signal the start of Christmas in the West End.”

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS will be released at cinemas nationwide by Sony Pictures Releasing on 11th November 2011