Imagine Peace Tower Illuminated on John Lennon’s Birthday Despite Cancelled Ceremony

If you’re over the age of 30, The Beatles—or John Lennon—has likely made an appearance in your life at some point. Lennon and his wife, activist Yoko Ono, were not only soulmates but also visionaries who sought to challenge systems, influence policies, and change the world through the message of peace.

In an old interview, Lennon states how he first met Yoko, discusses her career as an avant-garde artist, and how he was a rock star, all while they were trying to find a common goal in life. And world peace was that goal.

Yoko honors this vision each year as she lights the Imagine Peace Tower—an outdoor work of art she conceived in memory of John Lennon, located on Viðey Island in Reykjavík, Iceland. According to the official website, the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is “a Tower of Light which emanates wisdom, healing, and joy. It communicates awareness to the whole world that peace and love are what connect all lives on Earth.”

This year, the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island was illuminated at 8 p.m. yesterday, marking what would have been John Lennon’s birthday. 

Traditionally, the tower’s lighting is accompanied by a serene ceremony honoring the legacy of Lennon, Ono’s late husband, and a symbol of music and activism. This year, however, the ceremony was canceled due to rough weather conditions. Heavy seas and high waves in Faxaflói Bay made travel to the island unsafe, leading organizers to prioritize safety.

Elding, the whale-watching company responsible for ferry trips to Viðey, confirmed that all sailings were suspended after consulting with emergency responders and event coordinators. “The decision was made with the utmost consideration for public safety,” the company stated.

Despite the absence of the usual gathering, the tower’s radiant beam could still be experienced by viewers around the world. A live stream of the illumination was available on the Imagine Peace Tower website, allowing supporters of peace and Lennon’s enduring legacy to participate remotely.

Imagine Peace Tower. Photo by imaginepeacetower.com.

First lit in 2007, the Imagine Peace Tower projects a powerful column of light into the Icelandic sky each year between October 9 and December 8. The light is powered in part by geothermal energy and is surrounded by stones from every country in the world, symbolizing a collective hope for peace.

Even without a physical ceremony, the tower’s illumination continues to inspire reflection, unity, and remembrance, reinforcing Yoko Ono’s vision of a world united in peace.

Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and the founder of VOCAB Communications. Writer and Partner at The Debrief, a news site covering edge science and technology. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max in "Alien Encounters: Fact or Fiction" and hosts the "Rebelliously Curious" podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all major audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com.