Parrots set to take over Carnaby Street this Christmas

Four parakeets, three love birds, two flamingos... and a parrot in Carnaby Street.

A flock of decidedly exotic birds are knocking the traditional robin and partridge off their perch — or pear tree — this Christmas, after landlords in the Soho shopping district picked a tropical carnival theme for its annual lights display.

Consultants Rolfe Judd Planning, acting on behalf of property company Shaftesbury, lodged a planning application for the “Carnaby Christmas Carnival” lights with Westminster council this week.

The application says: “As previously, this year’s decorations are designed to provide a striking form of festive decoration, providing a colourful and festive talking point to help stimulate custom during an important trading period.”

DJ Norman Jay has been lined up to switch on the lights, which also decorate neighbouring Broadwick Street, Ganton Street, Beak Street and Kingley Street, on November 9 at 6pm. Last year’s Carnaby Street display was inspired by a V&A exhibition about the Swinging Sixties — You Say You Want A Revolution? Records And Rebels 1966-1970.

Lights are being installed all over central London before switch-on in early November. Exotic birds are also swooping into New Oxford Street — where lights designed to look like peacock feathers will find a nest alongside stars and baubles.