The United Kingdom played its part in the global Earth Hour blackout on Saturday, turning off lights for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Here are some of the iconic images from around the country.

Launched in Sydney in 2007 by the World Wildlife Foundation, Earth Hour saw 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses switch off their lights in a show of strength against climate change in that first year alone. It has since grown into a global phenomenon with over 88 countries pledging their support and switching off lights at iconic buildings in over 4,000 cities. 

On Saturday at 8.30pm local time, hundreds of landmarks around the UK made their stand...

 

 

Earth Hour 26th March 2011, Piccadilly Circus Lights On, London, UK © WWF/ Tristan Fewings

 

Earth Hour 26th March 2011, Piccadilly Circus Lights Off, London, UK © WWF/ Tristan Fewings

 

Edinburgh Castle before lights are switched off. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)

 

Edinburgh Castle after lights are switched off. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)

 

 

 

Emily Whiting Copyright 26.03.11 Brighton, UK Brighton Pier

 

 

 

Emily Whiting Copyright 26.03.11 Brighton, UK Brighton Pier

 

 

 

Tower Bridge & City Hall, London lights on before Earth Hour. (c) WWF / Richard Stonehouse London United Kingdom 17/03/2011

 

 

 

Tower Bridge & City Hall, London lights off during Earth Hour. (c) WWF / Richard Stonehouse London United Kingdom 26/03/2011