At The Top — A Guide to the Changing Colours of Canary Wharf's Tower

London’s Canary Wharf is both a fascinating spectacle of iconic architecture, and one of the fastest developing high-rise areas in the UK!

Despite the influx of new buildings, Canary Wharf will always be most well-known for its original skyscraper — the central tower at One Canada Square.

We’ve already written an in-depth look at the fascinating construction of One Canada Square, but there is one thing that keeps getting asked… “What’s up with the lights at the top of the tower?”

The iconic glass pyramid at the top not only weighs 100 tonnes, but it’s kitted with hundreds of colour changing lights, self-cleaning windows, and even some bird boxes!

Pyramid top of the famous canary wharf skyscraper One Canada Square

You may have noticed Canary Wharf’s lights often changing colours, flashing and bathing the London sky with a palette of lights. So, what is the story behind these displays?

In this article, we will look at why the lights flash? And, what colours are frequently seen? Will have a look at what the colour changes are meant to represent, and finally — answer if you can go up to the top of Canary Wharfs tower!

Why Does the Top of Canary Wharf Flash?

Flashing more than 67,000 times a day, the light atop the Canary Wharf tower he has constructed distracts the Queen in Windsor Castle as well as commuters deep in Surrey.
The power of the tower — The Guardian

London city airport flight path passing over Canary Wharf

The flashing lights at the top of Canary Wharf are an integral part of London’s nightscape. But they’re not there just for aesthetics.

They play a crucial role in aviation safety, warning incoming aircraft of the presence of the tall building, especially in adverse weather conditions when visibility may be compromised.

Flashing red lights are standard for high-rise structures across the globe, with buildings of differing heights requiring red lights to indicate their presence to low-flying aircraft.

However, just 3 miles (ca. 5 km) to the east of Canary Wharf’s famous tower lies London City Airport, with aircraft flying almost directly overhead.
Because the remarkable height of this tower is such an obstacle to arriving and departing aircraft, the UK Civil Aviation Authority rules require an additional high intensity strobing white light, alongside the standard red lights.

Now you know!

Why does Canary Wharf change colour?

Canary Wharf’s skyscraper pyramid red light

One Canada Square (Canary Wharf) with green lighting

Alongside the mandatory strobing lights, the Canary Wharf group have outfitted the 30 m by 40 m glass pyramid with hundreds of colour-changing LED lights… as a result, the group can light the tower up in an array of dazzling colours!

Here is a quick explainer of some of the most frequently seen colours, and what they are symbolising…

Why is Canary Wharf Pink?

Answer: Breast Cancer Awareness

The lights at the top of Canary Wharf are often set to pink during October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The colour pink is internationally recognised as a symbol for this cause.

Seeing the iconic tower blush in the night sky serves as a powerful reminder and gesture of support for those affected by breast cancer.

Why is Canary Wharf Red, Yellow, and Green?

Answer: Black History Month

Typically, also seen in October, Canary Wharf lights up in a series of red, yellow, and green colours to commemorate Black History Month.

The month is a tribute to the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black people in the United Kingdom. Illuminating the tower is Canary Wharf’s way of engaging with the diversity and inclusivity that London is renowned for, promoting conversations and reflections about Black history.

The colours themselves stem from of the Pan-African flag adopted by the Black History Month movement.

The official colours of Black History Month are black, red, yellow, and green, which symbolise unity and pride. The colours are derived from the Ethiopian flag and the Pan-African flag, which was created in 1920 to represent the unity of the African diaspora and Black liberation in the US.
Black History Month Explained — Insider

Why is Canary Wharf Purple?

Answer: It depends!

Purple has been used as a colour of significance in many differing events, commemorations and regal displays. As a result, purple is one of the most commonly seen colours that Canary Wharf is transforms into.

On International Women’s Day, the lights glow purple to honour the progress made towards gender equality and to highlight the ongoing struggle for women’s rights worldwide.

Purple lights at the top of Canary Wharf have also been used to highlight support for Pancreatic Cancer Day, as part of the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer campaign in November.
Purple lights were used for the late Queen’s Jubilee event, and also the official opening of the Elizabeth line in May 2022.

Can You Go Up Canary Wharf Tower?

Answer: Yes, with difficulty!

View from the top of canary wharf’s tower

One Canada Square is primarily a commercial space, housing several businesses and corporations, and access is strictly controlled. If you’re holding a registered meeting, a student at UCL’s School of Management, or even seeing a physiotherapist you’ll be provided access — but we appreciate starting a degree is a bit OTT for a quick view!

Unfortunately, Canary Wharf does not currently operate a public observation deck and to our knowledge there are no plans to introduce one. So, in short, there is no easy way of getting to the top.

However, each year during the Open House Festival, some of London’s most interesting buildings open their doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look. The event is typically free but requires booking in advance, and previously, the Canary Wharf group has joined in, permitting access to the top of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, including One Canada Square.

So public access to the top of Canary Wharf can be granted, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the Open City website as tickets for interesting buildings like this are booked up very quickly!

Summary — Changing lights for changing times

The original tower at Canary Wharf is not just an iconic piece of London’s skyline, but also a giant canvas that tells a story.

Hundreds of colour changing LEDs have been used to communicate solidarity, commemorate history, and raise awareness for significant societal causes by lighting the giant pyramid in an array of colours.

Light show at Canary Wharf’s One Canada Square skyscraper

The lights at the top of Canary Wharf’s have been a silent narrator through many differing times:

Previously, the Canary Wharf Tower has been lit blue — every Thursday to show appreciation for the NHS during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Back in December 1991 the tower was first lit up, to perform a staggering New Years Eve light show

The lights have cycled between red, white, and blue throughout many historic UK events, such as the King’s Coronation
One Canada Square has alternated yellow and blue to highlight the UK’s support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

Aside from highlighting permanent events, occasionally the tower displays dazzling lights… well, just because they can! As an example, you can frequently see the top of Canary Wharf lit up in green and red throughout the festive season.

Finally, the tower’s second set of lights — including the famous pulsing white light at the apex of the pyramid — play an important safety role. Like all tall objects, from skyscrapers to construction cranes, the tower requires a red lighting scheme to highlight its height for low-flying aircraft.

However, the staggering height and the proximity to London City Airport means that the white strobe was an additional requirement to mark the tower out to arriving and departing aircraft.