We reported earlier this year that the iconic billboards in Piccadilly Circus were being switched off for refurbishment. Many Londonphiles were very disappointed to hear this as it meant that tons of tourist photos would be ruined by scaffolding and hoardings. This was the longest stretch of time the lights were turned off since The War. Well, fear not! The renovations are done, and the lights have been switched back on!
While the traditional shape has been maintained, the new sign is one massive curved screen that replaces the original six billboards. Now, the screen can be used for unified advertising. One thing is clear; this new screen is BRIGHT. The screen, which is controlled remotely, has an interactive capability, offering live video streaming, weather updates, sports results, and social media feeds. I expect the new sign to become a centerpiece in London that people gather around for major events.
Very cool.
Want to have a look for yourself? Then stroll on down though I suspect that crowds will be thick now that the lights are back on.
For those interested, here’s some info about the new screen from the press release released by the company responsible for the sign:
Landsec, the owner of Piccadilly Lights, has replaced the original patchwork of screens with a single state-of-the-art 4K LED digital screen and live technology hub, which allows the screen to react to certain external factors, such as the weather or temperature. This feature enables brands to display creative and innovative content, such as weather-appropriate clothing. The technology does not collect or store any personal data and is unable to record images or audio. Coca-Cola, Samsung, Hyundai, L’Oréal Paris, eBay, Hunter and Stella McCartney are now advertising on the newly-launched screen, which is managed by Ocean Outdoor.
History of Piccadilly Lights
- An estimated 100 million people pass through Piccadilly Circus each year
- The first illuminated advertising hoarding at Piccadilly Circus was a Perrier sign, installed in 1908
- Piccadilly Circus used to be surrounded by illuminated advertising signs which were originally powered by light bulbs, later replaced by neon lights
- Digital projectors were first introduced in 1998
- LED displays completely replaced neon by 2011
- Coca-Cola has had a sign at Piccadilly Circus since 1954
- Landsec has owned Piccadilly Lights since the 1968. New screen details
- 17.56m high x 44.62m wide (circ 780m2 )
- Greater than 4K Resolution: 5490 x 2160
- 3 in 1 LED packages that generates trillions of colours and exceptional brightness
- 8mm pitch screens
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.
This advertising hoarding could be anywhere. I say bring back the Guinness clock, with the toucan pendulum, I used to see on my way to and from work during the 1960s – that were of both use and ornament.