Cincy Region, BLINK and British Airways welcomed guests to Somerset House’s Portico Rooms on the Strand for an exclusive VIP evening previewing BLINK, America’s largest art, light and projection-mapping festival, returning to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from 8-11 October 2026. 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 easier than ever for UK travellers to experience BLINK and the region firsthand.
The preview brought a vibrant taste of Cincy’s world-renowned creativity to London with New Riff, the World’s Best Bourbon 2026, served to media, travel trade and VIP guests. Attendees mingled with BLINK leaders, artists including Vince Fraser, Kingsley Nebechi and Michael Thompson, and representatives from AGAR and key regional partners.
A highlight of the evening was Geist, a striking, large-scale interactive light installation by UK-based collective This Is Loop, which uses mirrors, motion sensors and creative coding to create the illusion of a glowing suspended orb that comes alive in response to the audience, offering a preview of the bold, kinetic works that define the festival.
Alan Hayes from This Is Loop said: ”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.”
Leslie Mooney, VP & Executive Director for BLINK said: “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.”
Maija Zummo, Senior Manager, International & Domestic Communications at Visit Cincy, said: “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.”
The London preview forms part of a wider international initiative led by partners across the Cincy Region, including the Cincy Region tourism alliance, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Regional Chamber and BLINK, AGAR, economic development organisations REDI and BE NKY, and Procter & Gamble. Together, they are showcasing the Cincy Region as a creative hub and global destination, while strengthening transatlantic connections across tourism, arts and business.