News

At 8.30pm on Saturday 28th March, Out of Home landmarks led by BFI IMAX, Piccadilly Lights and both of London’s Westfield destinations will power down to mark the 20th year of WWF’s Earth Hour, joining millions across the globe in one of the world’s biggest grassroots environmental movements. 

The outdoor locations will be joined by other prominent UK landmarks including The London Eye, London City Hall, 10 Downing Street, Oxo Tower Wharf, and Scottish monuments including Stirling Castle and Arbroath Abbey.  

Thousands of businesses and millions of people are expected to switch off their lights for 60 minutes in a moment of global unity for nature restoration, shining a light on the planet, the climate crisis and the need for urgent change. 

In central London, Piccadilly Lights will broadcast a five minute countdown to the switch off moment at 8.30pm before turning completely dark. The Lights, which only switch off to mark ceremonial moments of national mourning, or in war, are participating with the agreement of Landsec.  

BFI IMAX in Waterloo, which is powered by 48,000 LEDS - upgraded in 2024 to meet sustainability goals, reducing energy use by 30% - will also switch off. 

In addition, multiple outdoor screens across both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City retail and leisure destinations will black out for the hour.  All of these OOH locations are managed by Ocean Outdoor.

Tim Platt, BFI’s director of marketing & audience growth, said: “BFI IMAX is the No.1 IMAX cinema worldwide, and its iconic advertising wrap is a major part of what makes the building such a landmark for brands and audiences alike. We’re delighted to partner with Ocean Outdoor once again - this time switching off the lights in support of WWF’s Earth Hour. Earth Hour is a moment for all of us to switch off from our busy lives, reflect and reconnect with nature and the wellbeing benefits it provides.”  

Lisa Lee, executive director of brand, campaigns and communications, WWF-UK said: “When landmarks go dark and communities come together on 28th March, we’re celebrating two decades of collective action, with Earth Hour having evolved from a symbolic switch-off moment, into people giving millions of hours of their time for the Earth in unique ways over the years. 

“This time is an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and each other. Everyone who participates becomes part of Earth Hour’s history, and part of a growing movement to restore nature, now and long after the lights come back on.”