Piccadilly Lights
The Piccadilly Lights are the giant curved advertising screen on the north-east corner of Piccadilly Circus in London's West End. Advertising has lit up this corner since 1908, and the display remains one of the capital's most photographed sights, best seen after dark.
Photos
Miguel L.
Then and now
Illuminated advertising first appeared here in 1908, and the corner has been associated with bright signage ever since. Today it is a single curved, ultra-high-definition screen of around 780 square metres that can respond in real time to the weather, passing traffic and live events. It is owned by Landsec and sold by Ocean Outdoor.
What you'll see
Mostly big-brand campaigns, but the screen also marks cultural moments, broadcasts live events and occasionally gives space to causes and celebrations. Because content cycles quickly, a few minutes' wait usually brings something different. Evenings, when the screen is at its brightest against the dark, give the most striking view and photographs. The screen runs day and night, but colours and motion stand out most after sunset, and a few minutes' wait usually brings a change of display.
Around Piccadilly Circus
The lights sit at the meeting point of Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Piccadilly, so it is an easy start for theatre in the West End or a wander into Soho. Fallow and Blacklock Soho are a few minutes' walk for dinner, and Zedwell is next door if you want to stay right in the middle of it.
Highlights
- Illuminated advertising here since 1908
- Curved screen of about 780 square metres
- Content reacts to weather and traffic in real time
- Free to see, day or night
Good to know
- Viewing is free from the public pavements around Piccadilly Circus.
- The area is very busy in the evenings; keep an eye on belongings.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: piccadillylights.co.uk