finalise the Soho Kids Xmas Lights 2024 project

My name is Antonio Capelao, and I’m a trained architect and educator. I founded the Soho Kids Xmas Lights project in 2021, now in its fourth year. This initiative collaborates with Soho Parish Primary School pupils, supported by RIBA Learning, The National Gallery, and Soho business sponsors, to bring children’s Christmas designs to life on Soho’s streets.

This year’s theme, "Lighting, Identity of Place, and Migration in Soho," encourages local pupils to explore the architecture and heritage of their community, inspiring festive lighting designs that engage everyone in celebrating children’s creativity in shaping our built environment.

Last year, we showcased 49 lighting panels co-designed by pupils, some of whom received awards from RIBA Learning and the LIA. This year, we’ll add six new panels, building sustainably by expanding, not replacing, the display each year.

The project concludes with a switch-on event on November 12 at 6 PM, hosted by Soho Parish Primary School, with Westminster’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Robert Rigby, in attendance. This event highlights the pupils’ creativity, celebrates standout designs, and brings the community together.

As a community project, Soho Kids Xmas Lights relies on sponsorships and grants, and we are currently £6,000 short of our funding goal. Any donation you can provide will help us bring this project to life, support Soho’s children, and spread holiday cheer. Please consider contributing and sharing our message.

Thank you!