Photography
The gardens of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV (reigned 1820-30), which was finished by architect John Nash; the Pavilion was later enjoyed by his successors William IV, then Queen Victoria.
Market Square, Keswick filled with residents and visitors for the switching on of the Christmas lights. Entertainment on a stage in front of The Moot Hall from the cast of “The Wizard of Oz” production at the Theatre by the Lake, a funfair and local band “The Kasios” got the crowd dancing before dignitaries made speeches and, finally, Keswick’s Christmas lights were illuminated for 2025.
The weather was dry and warm enough. Mikey and I enjoyed a copious fish and chips outdoors from the paper. Job satisfaction time for Mikey: he designed the hotels’ displays on either side of the square.
Crags and pines at the Col de Bavella (Foci di Bavedda), the pass is at 1218 m. so above the coastal cloud layer. The GR20 long-distance path crosses the paved road here.
The rock is described as an Ortho-gneiss, a classification of meta-igneous rock so a layered metamorphic rock but not a granite.
More photos: Col de Bavella (1218 m.) - Parc naturel régional de Corse
New Bond Street
Covent Garden
Massive numbers of LED lights adorning London’s West End’s shops and streets. From Carnaby Street’s gaudy geometrics to Bond Street’s bling and Regent Street’s host of wispy angels. But the theme of Christmas is almost entirely gone, a forest of trees yes but no Santas, not even reindeer and certainly no Christmas stars, though Oxford Street has pagan stars at the end of its icicles.
The trees are stylish and ubiquitous; Liberty’s restrained, Covent Garden’s massive and exuberant with its red lights giving warmth. Overall, LED “gold” is out “cool white” is back. The controversial pedicabs add their own style and blaring Christmas music. The West End’s variety and vivacity winning out over anodyne shopping centre displays.
More photos: Wispy angels, bling and gaudy geometrics: West End Christmas lights 2025
The revolution is coming: teddies are massing, waiting the call in their barracks disguised as toy shops. Don’t be misled by their cute faces and appealing eyes, these teddies are ruthless and will control the minds of humans. Their slogan: “Bears United...will never be defeated”.
