250,000 people flocked to Leicester Square to see West End Live, the largest free theatre festival in the world. The showcase, which was organised by Westminster City Council, was so popular that some enthusiastic festival-goers started queuing from 4am!
It has been estimated that this fantastic event could have given recession-hit businesses in the West End a much needed £2 million boost. Cllr Robert Davis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Special Events, said: "Without doubt, this has been our biggest and best West End LIVE. We've seen spectacular performances from some of the nation's favourites shows. This event is a showcase for everything the West End has to offer and this weekend I think we've proved there really is something for everyone."
Crowds at this year's event were treated to thrilling performances on the open air stage, with big name shows such as Mamma Mia!, Wicked, Grease, Thriller Live, Dirty Dancing, Chicago, Love Never Dies, We Will Rock You and Billy Elliot to name but a few.
As West End Live is also a family friendly event there was plenty to keep the kids entertained too - The Fireman Sam Show and Little Angel Puppet Theatre were full of fun interaction. I wonder what's in store for next year?
