Tower Bridge, one of the world's most recognisable landmarks, has been transformed with a new world-class lighting system in time to mark the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The new state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting system will have its first official showing on Wednesday evening and then will gleam white over the weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Tower Bridge will be firmly in the global spotlight this summer and – thanks to an funding deal reached between Mayor of London Boris Johnson, bridge-owners the City of London Corporation, and London 2012 Olympics sponsors EDF and GE – an LED-lighting and cabling system has now been fully installed at no cost to taxpayers.
The new lights will brighten up the bridge, enhance its architectural features and replace static lights with bulbs that can vary in intensity and colour, while at the same time cutting energy consumption considerably.
The new lights will take centre stage for during the 2012 Games when Tower Bridge will be fitted with its giant Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos for the 45 days of the Games. Passers-by will see the new system being tested over coming weeks ready for spectacular one-off lighting displays during key moments of the Games.
Londoners will enjoy benefits from the deal long after the Games, as the new lighting system will be in place for 25 years.
