Always a pleasure to walk along Seaford beach front in fine weather. The traditional beach huts have been photographed many times. My photo this time is about textures as well as colours.

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.

More photos: Keswick Christmas lights switch-on 2025

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.

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