Piccadilly Circus billboard lights switched off for longest time since the Blitz

The iconic electronic billboards of Piccadilly Circus have been switched off for renovations for the longest period of time since the Blitz.

The switch-off is part of a plan to remove the six illuminated advertising boards which overlook the tourist hotspot and replace them with one ultra-high definition curved screen.

The famous billboard’s lights went out at 8.30am on Monday so the modernisation work can take place. A temporary advertising banner will replace the lights until the new single screen is unveiled in the autumn.

It marks the first time the boards have gone dark for an extended period of time since 1949.

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