Last-minute shoppers hit the streets on Christmas Eve

Shoppers hit the streets on Christmas Eve to pick up last-minute gifts as they immersed themselves in the festive spirit.

Dozens of people queued outside Selfridges on London’s Oxford Street before it opened on Sunday.

Fred and Angie Gay, from Essex, have been coming to the West End every December 24 for the past 20 years and were looking for a Christmas present for Mr Gay to buy for his wife.

They said they planned to look in Selfridges, Liberty’s and Fortnum & Mason, then treat themselves to lunch before heading to their son’s in Surrey on Monday to spend Christmas with their family.

Mrs Gay said: “We’re waiting for Selfridges to open just to have a little look, but my favourite store is Liberty’s.

“It’s just nice to be up here for Christmas time really, get into the festive spirit.”

The grandparents added they were going to “wing it” and had not booked lunch, adding there are fewer restaurants and pubs in the area to go to compared with 20 years ago.

Hanouf K, from Saudi Arabia, said she comes to London every Christmas and appreciated the city’s “vibes” during the festive season.

The 28-year-old said she was on the hunt for Apple AirPods and items from Longchamp for herself but also gift sets for friends because she had not yet started her Christmas shopping.

She added that London was her “favourite spot at Christmas”, saying: “I come here yearly, the Christmas lights, the Christmas vibes, the restaurants.”

Jack Kuan, 25, was meeting a friend in Selfridges, where they both work, to celebrate her birthday.

He said he was looking for inspiration in the store but had already bought his Christmas gifts.

Mr Kuan, from Taiwan, added: “London is very Christmassy for me, as someone who is not from here.”

Published: 24/12/2023 by Radio NewsHub