Alexander Armstrong Lights Up Fleet Street Quarter, Launching A Long-term partnership with the National Literacy Trust

Alexander Armstrong, writer, comedian, presenter and singer, switched on Fleet Street Quarter 2025 Christmas Lights, marking the launch of a long-term partnership between Fleet Street Quarter and the National Literacy Trust, of which Alexander is an ambassador.

The Switch On also saw the launch of the Fleet Street Quarter ‘Snoopy in the City’ Sculpture Trail, created in partnership with Wild in Art and Peanuts™, featuring 12 artist-designed Snoopy sculptures displayed across the Quarter from 19 November 2025 – 16 January 2026.

- Fleet Street Quarter BID, the Business Improvement District for one of London’s most iconic and historic areas, is proud to celebrate the festive season with the launch of the long-term partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

- Marking the partnership, the charity’s ambassador, writer, comedian, presenter, singer Alexander Armstrong switched on Fleet Street Quarter’s Festive lights on Wednesday 19th November 2025 at Ludgate Circus, marking the start of Festive Fleet Street Quarter 2025 programme.

- This year’s event and the Fleet Street Quarter ‘Snoopy in the City’ Sculpture Trail raises funds for National Literacy Trust, a charity dedicated to empowering people with the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills they need to succeed in life.

- A night filled with festive surprises including performances by the Fleet Street Quarter Community Choir and Bella Tromba, shopping and dining experiences, the audience in their hundreds joined in the spirit of the festive season, in one of London’s most historic areas.

- Funds raised during the night’s event and throughout the season via the ‘Snoopy in the City’ Sculpture Trail will help the charity continue its vital work to ensure every person has the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.

Fleet Street Quarter, one of London’s most historic and characterful districts, was transformed into a beacon of festive joy on Wednesday 19 November 2025, as writer, comedian, presenter and singer Alexander Armstrong officially switched on the Fleet Street Quarter Christmas Lights, marking the start of the launch of a long-term partnership between the Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District and the National Literacy Trust, of which Armstrong is an ambassador, and its Festive Fleet Street Quarter 2025 programme.

The evening also saw the unveiling of the Fleet Street Quarter ‘Snoopy in the City’ Sculpture Trail, created in partnership with Wild in Art and Peanuts™, celebrating 75 years of Peanuts and the enduring legacy of the world’s most beloved beagle. From 19 November 2025 to 16 January 2026, twelve artist-designed Snoopy sculptures will be displayed across Fleet Street Quarter in a free trail. Each one is inspired by the spirit of imagination and storytelling that connects both the area’s rich publishing heritage and the mission of the National Literacy Trust.

A celebration of stories, light and community, the event took place at Ludgate Circus, the heart of Fleet Street Quarter. The switch-on moment was met with cheers from Londoners, workers and visitors who gathered to witness the historic district come alive with light, sound and festive spectacle.

Armstrong led the countdown before illuminating the twinkling lights that now light up the Quarter, creating a dazzling backdrop for a season of celebration.

The 2025 celebrations proudly mark the beginning of a landmark partnership; Fleet Street Quarter’s long-term partnership with the National Literacy Trust, a charity dedicated to improving reading, writing and communication skills in disadvantaged communities across the UK. The partnership brings the charity’s vital mission to the historic heart of British journalism and publishing. As the birthplace of the nation’s printed press and a district shaped by centuries of literary and media innovation, Fleet Street Quarter provides a uniquely powerful backdrop for championing the importance of reading, writing and communication.

With the area now entering an exciting new chapter, including looking ahead to its second annual literary festival ‘Festival of Words’ in 2026 and a strengthened commitment to culture, creativity and community engagement, this partnership creates an authentic connection between Fleet Street’s storied past and its dynamic future.

Together with the National Literacy Trust, Fleet Street Quarter will celebrate the power of words, inspire the next generation of storytellers and reaffirm the district’s role as a place where ideas, learning and imagination thrive. This partnership is particularly timely as 2026 will also see the launch of the National Year of Reading, a Department for Education initiative in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, which aims to tackle the steep decline in reading enjoyment among children, young people and adults, and motivate people everywhere to see reading as modern, social, and personally meaningful to boost skills, empathy and benefit wellbeing.

Alexander Armstrong, ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, commented:

“It’s a great privilege to start the festive season by switching on the lights here in Fleet Street, Britain’s home of storytelling, and to launch such a special partnership that highlights and supports the vital work of the National Literacy Trust. Reading opens doors, ignites imaginations and connects generations, and that’s something truly worth celebrating this Christmas and beyond.”

Lady Lucy French OBE, Chief Executive of Fleet Street Quarter, commented:

“Fleet Street Quarter is a place where stories have always been born, from newspapers to novels, poetry to publishing. The launch of our partnership with the National Literacy Trust celebrates that legacy, making the world of words and stories accessible to everyone, connecting our cultural past with a brighter future for all. We’re thrilled to welcome Alexander Armstrong to launch this very special festive season.”

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, commented:

“Fleet Street has long been a hub of storytelling in London, making this partnership between the National Literacy Trust and the Fleet Street Quarter especially fitting. Together, we’re championing the power of literacy to help children, young people, and adults shape their futures and transform their own stories.”

The lights will remain on throughout the festive period, while visitors can explore the ‘Snoopy in the City’ Sculpture Trail until 16 January 2026, discovering each unique sculpture via a digital map and QR codes offering insight into the artists’ inspiration and the area’s history.

With glowing streets, festive music, independent shops and restaurants, and iconic landmarks, Fleet Street Quarter shines once again as one of London’s most magical Christmas destinations, celebrating creativity, community and the joy of reading.

Fleet Street Quarter BID represents over 359 businesses across the area, driving investment, culture and innovation.

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels across the UK. More information: www.literacytrust.org.uk

Peanuts™ is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, honouring the legacy of creator Charles M. Schulz and his beloved characters.

Wild in Art creates public art trails that inspire communities and raise vital funds for charities.