Alexander Armstrong Lights Up Fleet Street: A Festive Tribute to Storytelling and Snoopy’s 75th Anniversary

Quick Read

• Alexander Armstrong switched on Fleet Street Quarter’s Christmas lights alongside Snoopy.
• A free art trail features 12 artist-designed Snoopy sculptures celebrating Peanuts’ 75th anniversary.
• Fleet Street Quarter launched a partnership with the National Literacy Trust, timed with the National Year of Reading 2026.
• Armstrong emphasized the importance of reading and storytelling in his remarks.
• The Snoopy trail runs from November 19, 2025 to January 16, 2026.

Alexander Armstrong: Bringing Storytelling to Life on Fleet Street

On a crisp November evening in 2025, the historic heart of London’s newspaper industry was ablaze with festive spirit. Fleet Street, long associated with stories that shaped generations, marked the start of its Christmas season with a celebration that was about much more than twinkling lights—it was about honoring the power of storytelling. At the center of it all stood Alexander Armstrong, the beloved writer, comedian, presenter, and singer. His role? Not just to flip a switch, but to spark a city-wide conversation about stories, literacy, and the magic of imagination.

A Unique Snoopy Sculpture Trail: Art Meets History

This year’s Fleet Street festivities took on extra meaning with the arrival of a magical art trail dedicated to Snoopy, the world-famous beagle from the Peanuts comic strip. In collaboration with Wild in Art, twelve artist-designed Snoopy sculptures were hidden across the Fleet Street Quarter, each perched on his iconic red doghouse and waiting to be discovered. The trail, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, was as much a tribute to the comic’s enduring appeal as it was to Fleet Street’s own legacy as Britain’s home of print and storytelling.

The installations were more than just eye-catching—they were a bridge across time, linking the vibrant creativity of contemporary artists like Becky Smith and Fran Preston-Gannon with the nostalgia of the printed comics that once rolled off Fleet Street’s presses. For visitors, the trail became a playful scavenger hunt, aided by a dedicated map and accompanied by a bespoke audio soundtrack that immersed participants in Snoopy’s whimsical world.

A Star-Studded Switch-On: Alexander Armstrong and Snoopy Steal the Show

The official switch-on event at Ludgate Circus was a moment charged with excitement. Locals, tourists, and art lovers gathered as Alexander Armstrong took the stage alongside Snoopy himself. With a flourish, Armstrong brought the Christmas lights to life, transforming the Quarter into a sparkling beacon of festive cheer. But his presence was more than ceremonial—he was there as an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, a role that resonated deeply with the event’s theme.

In a heartfelt address, Armstrong underscored the importance of reading: “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.”

Championing Literacy: A New Partnership Takes Root

This year’s celebrations weren’t just about art and lights—they marked the beginning of a powerful partnership between the Fleet Street Quarter and the National Literacy Trust. Timed perfectly with the Department for Education’s announcement of 2026 as the National Year of Reading, the initiative aims to promote the joy and transformative impact of reading for all ages.

As the Fleet Street Quarter gears up for its second annual ‘Festival of Words’, Armstrong’s advocacy for literacy comes at a critical moment. The new partnership is set to bring more literary events, workshops, and outreach to the area, ensuring that the legacy of storytelling remains vibrant and accessible to future generations. The collaboration is an invitation for Londoners—and visitors from beyond—to reconnect with the written word in the very streets where so many stories began.

Armstrong’s Enduring Influence: More Than a Presenter

Alexander Armstrong’s involvement in these festivities was far from superficial. His multi-faceted career, spanning comedy, music, and broadcasting, has always been rooted in a love of words and performance. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, Armstrong brings both visibility and genuine passion to the cause, helping to frame literacy not just as a skill, but as a doorway to opportunity and wonder.

By championing initiatives like the Snoopy trail and the Festival of Words, Armstrong encourages Londoners to embrace their city’s storytelling heritage—not as a relic, but as a living, breathing part of urban life. In a world where digital distractions are everywhere, his message about the value of reading and imagination rings louder than ever.

Fleet Street: Where Past and Present Collide

It’s fitting that Fleet Street, a place synonymous with the birth of British journalism and comic strip culture, should be the setting for this convergence of art, history, and advocacy. The Snoopy trail, with its twelve distinct sculptures and playful audio backdrop, invites people to see the city through new eyes. And with Alexander Armstrong at the helm, the festivities became a testament to London’s capacity for reinvention—always honoring its past, but never afraid to celebrate the present.

For those wandering the Quarter between November 19 and January 16, the experience is more than a holiday diversion. It’s an invitation to explore, to reflect, and, perhaps, to rediscover the simple joy of a good story.

Alexander Armstrong’s presence at Fleet Street’s festivities reflects a thoughtful commitment to the power of storytelling and literacy. By linking the legacy of the Peanuts comic strip, the artistry of London’s creative community, and the enduring mission of the National Literacy Trust, Armstrong helped turn a local celebration into a city-wide call to cherish imagination and the written word. His advocacy, set against the backdrop of Fleet Street’s history, underscores how public figures can shape cultural moments and inspire meaningful change.