The famous Swiss Glockenspiel in Leicester Square, is set to return to London’s West End. Westminster City Council recently granted permission for the musical instrument to be reinstated as a central London attraction in Swiss Court.
The Swiss figures on the clock will rotate and play the 27 bells (which were an original feature of the glockenspiel) for the first time in nearly two years. The clock was given to the City of Westminster as a present in 1985 to mark its 400th birthday. It was presented to the city on behalf of the people of Switzerland and Leichtenstein by Switzerland Tourism.
Cllr Michael Brahams, chairman of Westminster City Council’s planning applications sub-committee, said: “In Westminster we recognise the huge contribution which many rich and varied cultures have played throughout history to making this city one which all its citizens and visitors can feel proud to enjoy. We are looking forward to this magnificent attraction being put back in its rightful place, in the heart of London in Leicester Square. We hope that the 50 million people who visit Leicester Square every year will be able to enjoy the glockenspiel as a major tourist attraction.”
The glockenspiel will perform on Monday through to Friday for up to five minutes commencing at 12pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. In addition, it will play on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays for five minutes commencing at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
