Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower will be lit tonight on Viðey island near Reykjavík, on what would have been John Lennon’s 77th birthday, RÚV reports. The tower, consisting of light beams projected from a stone monument, is a memorial to John Lennon’s campaign for peace and his song “Imagine”.
It seems, however, that most locals will have another event on their mind: Iceland’s football match against Kosovo at Laugardalshöll stadium, a FIFA World Cup qualifying game which, if won, will give Iceland the chance to compete in a World Cup tournament for the first time in history.
Arna Schram, Director of Culture and Tourism for the City of Reykjavík, told RÚV that a decision had been made to postpone the Imagine Peace Tower lighting ceremony to 9 pm, rather than 8 pm, when it is usually held each October. Yoko Ono has arrived in Iceland for the ceremony and will hold a speech at Höfði house, following which there will be free ferry rides from Skarfabakki harbour to Viðey island for the ceremony itself.
Mayor of Reykjavík Dagur B. Eggertsson has been a regular at the Iceland national football team’s qualifying games at home, but must also attend the lighting ceremony. According to information provided to RÚV, he will indeed attend tonight’s match, though he will be obliged to leave early in order to arrive on Viðey island in time for the ceremony.
Though business continues as usual in Reykjavík, many are adjusting their plans to make room for the match. The Social Democratic Alliance’s division in Hafnarfjörður, for example, will be screening the match at their headquarters.
