Northumberland landmark to be lit in purple this weekend to celebrate census

It is among the buildings and landmarks throughout England and Wales being illuminated to highlight its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day on Sunday, March 21, a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Iconic landmarks, including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration, which will see them light up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday, March 19 through to Sunday, March 21.

Other North East locations taking part are Penshaw Moment in Sunderland, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Stockton-on-Tees Town Hall.

The census helps inform the provision of public services throughout England and Wales, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented: “The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day within our communities.

“We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.

“We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank the many buildings and landmarks for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.”

Every household in England and Wales should have received their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online.

Census day is March 21, but you can fill yours in as soon as you receive your letter if you’re confident there will be no change in who usually lives in your household.

Paper forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support.

If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit www.census.gov.uk. The census support centre (freephone 0800 141 2021 in England) is available if you can’t find the help you need online.

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