Cheryl Fernandez-Versini switched on the Oxford Street Christmas lights this week across from John Lewis’s flagship store. As part of the switch-on celebration, John Lewis windows and Monty the Penguin – from the store’s 2014 Christmas campaign – were a focus for attention.

Hawthorn was recruited to drape John Lewis’ windows for the big reveal. Once Monty the Penguin’s film was shown, the Kabuki drape system was activated to reveal the Christmas windows.

The crowds were able to witness the real-time reveal of Monty and his penguin friends all dressed up in their Christmas jumpers and scarves, alongside the Christmas goodies displayed as part of the stores Christmas offering. Several minutes later Cheryl appeared on stage alongside Capital FM’s Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon to switch on the Christmas Lights.

“Hawthorn’s Kabuki-style, 44-metre drape system was ideal for the reveal at John Lewis,” said project manager Matt Herd. “The drape reveal, which took literally 3 seconds, added to the drama of the celebration.

“The system works using an electromagnet, and once activated the unit releases the drapes within seconds. The system is ideal for dramatic reveals and instant cover up’s to create striking effects at events.”

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