National landmarks to light up in blue to celebrate NHS staff

The #LightItBlue campaign will recognise frontline workers as the NHS turns 72

Landmarks in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Gateshead will be illuminated in blue (Reuters)

Windsor Castle, the Houses of Parliament and the Wembley Arch are among a number of iconic landmarks turning blue on Saturday evening from 9pm in honour of healthcare workers.

The #LightItBlue initiative began in March when more than 100 famous buildings across the UK were illuminated to coincide with the weekly applause for the NHS and frontline care workers.

The weekly applause has since finished, but as the NHS turns 72 on Saturday, the #LightItBlue campaign is once again celebrating the key workers who have been risking their own health to look after people in Britain who are ill with COVID-19.

In London, The Shard will feature a special 15-minute moving display on Saturday from 9pm.

But it’s not just the capital which is involved, with Liverpool Town Hall, NEC Birmingham and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge all lighting up.

The illuminations will pay tribute not only to NHS staff, but to those that have helped the organisation during its most challenging period since its 1948 inception.

Gary White, team leader of the Make It Blue Collective, which created #LightItBlue, said: “When the events and entertainment industry initially found itself without work due to COVID-19, we wanted to harness our collective skills to thank both the NHS and key workers during this pandemic.

“We’re delighted to have been asked to support NHS staff by turning the UK skyline blue in what promises to be a great expression of national unity.”

Prerana Issar, chief people officer for NHS England, added: “The support the NHS has received from the public during this pandemic has been truly overwhelming, and the Light It Blue campaign is a great way to celebrate the 1.5 million NHS staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly during the past few months to help patients and their families.”

SWNS