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Tourists in London's Trafalgar Square this Friday (5 December) will be treated to an unusual sight as one of the square's famous lion statues 'comes to life' and speaks to passers-by.

In an event inspired by the legend that the Trafalgar Square lions will come to life if Big Ben chimes 13 times, one of the statues will talk to the public about the many reasons to visit London over the Christmas period.

The spectacle, which visitors will be able to see between 16:00 and 21:00, will be made possible by the use of specialised animation, projections and an audio feed.

Sally Chatterjee, interim chief executive of Visit London, said: 'London is the best place in the world to be over the festive period, with the famous West End lights, fantastic seasonal theatre shows, ice rinks in amazing locations and a host of exciting winter events.

'The talking lion is part of a wider Visit London campaign to attract visitors to the capital – and encourage Londoners to get out and do more within their own city – over Christmas and New Year.'

The 141-year-old lion will promote events including the Shop West End weekend on 6 and 7 December, when shoppers will be able to walk around traffic-free streets and see celebrity appearances in certain parts of London.

Providing the voice of the statue will be Shaun Escoffery, the actor who plays Mufasa in the hit London musical The Lion King.

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