Major venues are lit in blue for NHS birthday
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Participating sporting and mass entertainment venues included Twickenham Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley and Lords Cricket Ground.
The #LightItBlue illuminations paid tribute not only NHS staff but to those that have helped the organisation during its most challenging period since its 1948 inception.
#LightItBlue was created by the events and entertainment industry to show a united display of gratitude for those risking their own health to look after Britons who are ill with COVID-19.
The initiative began on Thursday 26 March when over 100 of the UK’s most famous castles, cathedrals, bridges, city halls, sports stadiums and giant LED screens were illuminated in blue to coincide with the nationwide applause for the NHS and frontline care workers. Since then, eminent landmarks across the world including Windsor Castle, Niagara Falls, Komazawa Park Olympics Memorial Tower and the Prince's Palace of Monaco have taken part.
Gary White, MD of event production company White Productions and team leader of the #MakeItBlue Collective comments: “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 a great expression of national unity.”
Prerana Issar, chief people officer for NHS England, said: “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 1.5m NHS staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly during the past few months to help patients and their families.”
All organisations involved in the #LightItBlue campaign are acting on a voluntary basis.
(Jim Evans)
