How this tiny Icelandic island is helping to keep John Lennon’s legacy alive

October 11, 2024

Dedicated Beatles’ fans will need no reminder of the significance of October 9: this date marks the birth of a legend.

John Lennon was, of course, born in Liverpool, though his legacy means that fans all over the world will have been thinking of him on Wednesday. In Iceland, however, his birthday is marked by a unique celebration: the illumination of IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, an artwork by Yoko Ono.

‘IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is an outdoor work of art conceived by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon. It is situated on Viðey Island in Reykjavík, Iceland’

– imaginepeacetower.com

Each year, on John Lennon’s birthday, the tower is illuminated, projecting a powerful beam of light into the sky. Viðey Island has no inhabitants, but is a short ferry ride from Reykjvaík, Iceland. Every year, the tower remains lit until December 8, the anniversary of Lennon’s death.

On Wednesday, the illumination of the tower involved a peaceful ceremony, and performances from musicians Valdimar Guðmundsson and Örn Eldjárn. There was also a speech by Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson. Courtesy of Yoko Ono, people could travel to the island for free in order to attend the ceremony.

Here’s some more information about the artwork itself, according to Reykjavík.is:

The Imagine Peace Tower's beam of light, illuminating the evening sky, originates from a wishing well. The well is engraved with the words "imagine peace" in 24 languages, referencing John Lennon's song "Imagine". Many of Yoko Ono's famous works are participatory, inviting the public to take part in creating art. Among these is the "Wish Tree", found worldwide. People write down their wishes for peace and prosperity and hang them on the trees. The wishes are then collected and stored in the Imagine Peace Tower. Nearly a million wishes from people lie under the Imagine Peace Tower.

It’s possible to visit Viðey Island year-round, but between October 9 and December 8 there is a particular draw for Beatles’ fans. So, if you find yourself in Reykjavík, Iceland, don’t forget to look to the skies – there’s more to see than Northern Lights.

If you can’t make it to Iceland, why not celebrate your love for Lennon with our limited edition Beatles poster instead?

Image credit: Ljósmynd Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson via Reykjavík.is.