Shops in London’s West End have switched on the Christmas lights, ushering in a festive season that retailers hope will bring cheer and some much-needed revenue.
Many of the shops that line world-famous streets, including Regent Street and Oxford Street, are currently closed, and retailers are desperate for England’s lockdown to be lifted at the start of December.
Before the country’s second lockdown was enforced in early November, many of the country’s urban areas were under local tiered restrictions, and it is not immediately clear what will happen when the current lockdown in England expires on December 2.
The West End lights spread from Piccadilly and Mayfair to Carnaby Street and Belgravia, and out to Covent Garden with its covered markets.
Along the route is Fortnum & Mason, with its traditional luxury hampers and Hamleys, the toy shop.
Oxford Street, usually one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, has been comparatively empty. Piccadilly Circus, famed as a crowded spot at all times of the day, now sees far less hustle and bustle.
Retail sales rose in October, but November has been spent largely in lockdown, meaning December will be key in the bid to salvage lost revenue.
It is thought some consumers brought forward their Christmas shopping into October.
As retailers hope for a heavy footfall in December, scientists have warned that relaxing restrictions over Christmas will add "fuel to the fire” of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Much of the country is expected to fall into Tier 3 after December – or very high alert – which prevents people meeting indoors.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that a decision will be made as close as possible to December 2, adding he did not want to be “the Grinch who stole Christmas”.
Discussions between Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his government, and public health experts are set to take place next week on the next course of action as December approaches, with many Britons worried the lockdown will be extended.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
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