At 8:30pm on Saturday 28 March, lights will switch off across the UK to mark 20 years of Earth Hour, led by WWF. What began as a single event in Sydney is now a global moment, with landmarks, communities and individuals taking part each year. Here are five ways to get involved.
1. Major landmarks across the UK will go dark
Well-known sites across the country will switch off their lights in a show of support for nature and climate action.
In London, this includes:
- Piccadilly Circus
- London Eye
- City Hall
- 10 Downing Street
- Oxo Tower Wharf
Across the UK, sites such as Stirling Castle and Arbroath Abbey are also taking part.
The switch-off is symbolic, but it represents a coordinated global action involving millions of people.
2. You can still take part at home — in simple ways
Earth Hour is designed to be accessible. The core idea remains straightforward: switch off lights and spend an hour doing something different.
That could include:
- Turning off lights and screens
- Spending time with family or friends
- Reading or relaxing without devices
The emphasis is on pausing and reconnecting, rather than doing something complex.
3. There are organised events if you want to get involved locally
This year includes a range of organised activities across the UK.
Examples include:
- A themed 5K run in partnership with parkrun and Forestry England
- A candlelit performance at Platform Theatre featuring Orchestra for the Earth
- Community-based activities focused on nature and wellbeing
These events offer a more structured way to take part while still aligning with the core message of Earth Hour.
4. Creative and low-key activities are encouraged
WWF is promoting a range of alternative ways to engage, many of which can be done at home.
Suggestions include:
- Knitting wildlife-themed items
- Listening to nature soundscapes
- Trying guided nature meditation
- Reading nature-focused books
- Preparing a meal by candlelight
The aim is to make participation flexible and personal, rather than prescriptive.
5. The message remains the same — collective small actions matter
Over 20 years, Earth Hour has grown into one of the largest grassroots environmental movements, with participation in over 190 countries.
While switching off lights for one hour is symbolic, the wider goal is to encourage:
- Greater awareness of environmental issues
- Ongoing behavioural change
- Community-level action
The anniversary highlights both how far the initiative has come and the continued urgency of protecting natural systems.
For more information or to take part, visit:
https://www.earthhour.org/