In a dazzling display of transatlantic creativity, America's largest light and art festival, BLINK, made a spectacular preview appearance in London last night. On Tuesday, 24 March 2026, an exclusive VIP evening was held at Somerset House's Portico Rooms on the Strand, hosted by Cincy Region, BLINK, and British Airways. This event offered a sneak peek of the festival, which returns to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from 8 to 11 October 2026, transforming over 30 city blocks into an immersive open-air gallery of light, projection-mapping, and large-scale installations.
A Glimpse of Cincy's Creative Energy in London
The preview served as a vibrant introduction to Cincy's world-renowned artistic scene, featuring New Riff, the World's Best Bourbon 2026, served to media, travel trade, and VIP guests. Attendees mingled with BLINK leaders, artists such as Vince Fraser, Kingsley Nebechi, and Michael Thompson, and representatives from AGAR and key regional partners. The event also celebrated British Airways' expanded nonstop service between London Heathrow and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, now operating six flights per week, making it more convenient for UK travellers to experience BLINK and the region firsthand.
Interactive Light Installation Steals the Show
A highlight of the evening was Geist, a striking, large-scale interactive light installation by UK-based collective This Is Loop. This innovative piece uses mirrors, motion sensors, and creative coding to create the illusion of a glowing suspended orb that responds in real time to audience movements. Alan Hayes from This Is Loop explained, "Geist is all about creating a sense of wonder through interaction, transforming light, reflection, and movement into something that builds a gateway between the viewer and the deep scientific theory that inspired the piece. Designed to respond in real time, every experience is unique, and we're excited to share a preview of that immersive energy here in London."
BLINK Festival: A Global Platform for Art and Light
Leslie Mooney, VP & Executive Director for BLINK, emphasized the festival's scale and impact: "BLINK brings an entire city to life through art, light, and shared experience, turning neighbourhoods into canvases and audiences into part of the artwork. As the largest event of its kind in the U.S., we're excited to showcase that scale in London and invite visitors to experience Cincinnati in a completely new way." Now entering its fifth edition, BLINK has welcomed over two million visitors in 2024, featuring leading local and international artists, live performances, and interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity and technology.
Strengthening Transatlantic Connections
The London preview is part of a broader international initiative led by partners across the Cincy Region, including the Cincy Region tourism alliance, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Regional Chamber, BLINK, AGAR, economic development organisations REDI and BE NKY, and Procter & Gamble. This collaboration aims to showcase the Cincy Region as a creative hub and global destination while enhancing connections in tourism, arts, and business. Maija Zummo, Senior Manager, International & Domestic Communications at Visit Cincy, added, "We are so happy to be in London sharing a taste of Cincinnati's creativity and energy. BLINK is a truly one-of-a-kind experience that brings together art, light, and community on an incredible scale, and we're excited to invite UK audiences to discover it for themselves."
About the Cincy Region
The Cincy Region combines the German heritage and urban energy of Cincinnati, Ohio, with the Southern charm and quirky coolness of Northern Kentucky. This accessible destination offers distinctive cuisine, vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and a celebrated bourbon and beer scene, ideal for city breaks or American adventures. As a regional tourism alliance, it works to drive travel, economic impact, and quality of life through marketing and development efforts.
