'MERRY KISSMAS' AT COVENT GARDEN

TV Presenter Christine Bleakley kicked off proceedings at 'Merry Kissmas Covent Garden' by offering an auctioned kiss through Twitter. The lucky recipient was Tarik Fontenelle who parted with the princely sum of £300 for the privilege (all proceeds to the Prince's Trust). Louis Spence from Pineapple Studios was also in attendance, and couldn't resist supplying a bonus kiss to the lucky Tarik (see the video below).

The charity fundraiser marked the start of this year's Christmas campaign, Merry Kissmas at Covent Garden.  Visitors are being asked to donate £1 to The Prince’s Trust for each kiss they give. In the middle of the piazza is an installation which causes the 50ft Covent Garden Christmas tree to light up, when a couple kiss beneath the special "Kiss' mistletoe. The mistletoe is motion sensitive and responds when two sets of lips touch beneath it. Designed by British artist and designer - Paul Cocksedge, who constructed a similar installation in Milan, last year.

The Covent Garden Christmas tree has almost 50,000 LED red and white lights, so be prepared for the widespread attention that your kiss will bring. There's a tiny chance that someone on the piazza won't be alerted to your smooch, but don't bank on it.

In the run up to Christmas, numerous events are being held in Covent Garden around a 'Kiss' and 'Love' theme, including:

• - 'International Kiss Hour' on November 25 2010 - a round-the-world video message. Foreign nationals in London are invited to kiss and have their message emailed to loved ones in their home countries.
• - Angelic choirs will sing 'Kiss' and 'Love' themed songs at the Christmas Love Market, every Thursday between 9am and 7pm and in addition: the 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd and 23rd of December. Heart shaped mince pies, oysters, chocolates and other foodie delights are on sale, to get shoppers in the mood for a more tactile and love-themed Christmas.
• - 'Already Been Kissed' is a series of events organised by dating agency Match.com based around the kissing theme, with mulled wine and souvenir photos.

In addition, giant topiary reindeer and candy canes will be on display and every Saturday live reindeer will be available for your petting pleasure, on the East Piazza.

 

Covent Garden London, 4th Floor, Russell Chambers, The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8AA

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Charing Cross.

Call: 0870 780 5001

 

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