20 years of WWF's Earth Hour: Ocean Outdoor landmarks including BFI IMAX in London set to power down

At 8.30pm on Saturday 28th March, out of home locations 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.

These 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 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, says: “BFI IMAX is the number one 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 , says: “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.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.