While some of the country was battling with extreme weather conditions over the second weekend of the new year, London was basking in an unseasonably warm 11C sunshine … and – in a small corner of north London – snow. The singer star Pixie Lott was among the families and friends who took full advantage of the opportunity for a spot of sledging.
It’s not often you get to toboggan without needing gloves or thermals, but on Saturday on a grassy slope at Alexandra Palace locals were hurtling down a snowy slope in little more than jeans and jumpers, including Pixie, who showed up in tights and knee-high boots to join in the winter fun.
“You can’t mistake a snow-maker,” said local resident Davide Barelli, who had turned up with his wife and son to enjoy the unexpected powder. “I heard the noise yesterday, and thought we’d come to investigate.”
And of course, Barelli was right, this first snowfall for London in 2015 was artificially generated as part of Land Rover’s Hibernot campaign, which aims to encourage people into the great outdoors during the winter months.
It took a day with a snow-maker to create the winter wonderland and it certainly served its purpose of getting families outside to laugh and play together. And for some next-generation Londoners it was their first experience of snow. “Our two-and-a-half-year-old son Theo has been desperate to see snow,” said Alex Sullivan. “He has been asking: ‘why won’t there be any snow yet?’ Needless to say he is thrilled to be here.”
Melody Soave agreed, she told her son that it was going to be snowy in Alexandra Palace after she had found out about the event on Twitter. “He woke up really excited,” she said. “We’re going to try to build a snowman.”
Pixie was also enjoying the childish thrill of zooming down the slope on a giant sledging tube. “I’m really enjoying the snow day because it hasn’t snowed yet in London this winter, so this is a chance to get out and build a snowman and do all those seasonal things”, she said, as she made her way to the top of the slope for the eighth time. “I spent my New Year on the slopes in Verbier surrounded by snow, but it’s extra special to have it here in London.”
Pixie, who is a Land Rover ambassador, is an advocate for getting outdoors. “I really enjoy winter,” she said. “I love wrapping up warm in lots of layers and getting out for a walks as often as possible. We try and take little trips to the country as much as we can.” Although, as an active player on London’s social scene she says it is not all about healthy country walks: “I also love the outdoors areas of some London bars – chilling with a blanket, heater and hot chocolate, and feeling all cosy. The roof at Shoreditch House is always so pretty in the winter!”
Follow in Pixie Lott’s footsteps and start your next adventure at hibernot.co.uk.
