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Piccadilly Circus lights to be switched off for revamp | Piccadilly Circus lights to be switched off for revamp |
(35 minutes later) | |
Piccadilly Circus's billboards are to be switched off for the longest period of time since World War Two. | Piccadilly Circus's billboards are to be switched off for the longest period of time since World War Two. |
A revamp of the central London attraction will see its famous lights go out from January until the autumn. | A revamp of the central London attraction will see its famous lights go out from January until the autumn. |
It is the first time since 1949 that the iconic lights have gone off except for power cuts and special occasions. | It is the first time since 1949 that the iconic lights have gone off except for power cuts and special occasions. |
A static advertising banner featuring signed brands will replace the lights for most of next year. | A static advertising banner featuring signed brands will replace the lights for most of next year. |
Land Securities, which owns the site, plans to replace the six illuminated advertising boards with one ultra-high definition curved screen. | Land Securities, which owns the site, plans to replace the six illuminated advertising boards with one ultra-high definition curved screen. |
Once finished the screen will boast one of the highest resolution LED displays of its size in the world. | Once finished the screen will boast one of the highest resolution LED displays of its size in the world. |
Land Securities said the new screen will be able to display live video streaming, weather, traffic, sports results, finance information and real-time social media feeds. | Land Securities said the new screen will be able to display live video streaming, weather, traffic, sports results, finance information and real-time social media feeds. |
Tim Bleakley, CEO of Ocean Outdoor - which organises the advertising on the screens - said the upgrade will "protect" Piccadilly Circus's heritage while ensuring it remains a testament to "London's global reputation for defining invention and innovation". | Tim Bleakley, CEO of Ocean Outdoor - which organises the advertising on the screens - said the upgrade will "protect" Piccadilly Circus's heritage while ensuring it remains a testament to "London's global reputation for defining invention and innovation". |
Light history | |
The lights went out in 1939 to comply with World War Two blackouts and were not switched back on until 1949. | The lights went out in 1939 to comply with World War Two blackouts and were not switched back on until 1949. |
Since then, they have only been turned off as a mark of respect during the funerals of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana and in support of environmental campaigns. | Since then, they have only been turned off as a mark of respect during the funerals of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana and in support of environmental campaigns. |
The occasional power cut and the imposed three-day week in the 1970s have also plunged Piccadilly Circus into darkness. | The occasional power cut and the imposed three-day week in the 1970s have also plunged Piccadilly Circus into darkness. |
Advertiser Coca-Cola has already committed to continue its 62-year residency on the Piccadilly Circus display. | Advertiser Coca-Cola has already committed to continue its 62-year residency on the Piccadilly Circus display. |
Aedamar Howlett, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland marketing director, said: "There are only a handful of advertising spaces in the world that are as iconic and unique as the Piccadilly Lights". | Aedamar Howlett, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland marketing director, said: "There are only a handful of advertising spaces in the world that are as iconic and unique as the Piccadilly Lights". |
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