For the first time since World War Two, the iconic Piccadilly Advertising Lights in London will be switched off at 9pm today in a symbolic gesture to mark Capital 95.8’s Lights Out London climate change event. The station will broadcast a special hour-long show, reporting from events across London between 9 and 10pm.
The Lights at Piccadilly Circus were last turned out in 1939 originally as part of the London blackout during the Second World War and were not switched back on again for ten years.
Now, 68 years on in a historic and unprecedented move, all six advertisers – Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Samsung, TDK, Sanyo and Budweiser will voluntarily switch off their illuminated signs at 21:00 simultaneously to raise awareness of the small things you can do to effect big change.
A Capital 95.8 spokesperson commented: "We are delighted with the number of businesses and individuals who have signed up, everyone can make a difference if we all work together. London is a city watched by the rest of the world and with the high calibre of supporters on board we can send a really positive message across the world that together we can make a difference."
Johnny Vaughan said: “Lights out London will be an amazing event. Seeing landmark buildings and restaurants switch off will be a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Knowing that Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Lights and Clarence House are doing the same means we’re all in great company!”
A Coca-Cola spokesperson commented: "Lights Out London is a great initiative and we are delighted to be the first advertiser on the Piccadilly sign to come on board. Coke has been up in lights in Piccadilly since 1954. While other landmark buildings are turning off their lights, the Piccadilly sign actually is a light. It’s important that we all play our role on the environment. If everyone does their little bit, together we can make a big difference."
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