Beacon lights up for NHS celebration

The Beacon of Light will join landmarks across the North East and light up blue to celebrate the NHS's 70th birthday this summer. The National Health Service marks its anniversary on 5th July 2018, with events being organised to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions and to recognise and thank its extraordinary staff. As part of the celebrations, landmarks such as the Beacon, Penshaw Monument and the Magistrates building in Keel Square will be lighting up in blue on the evening to say, ‘Happy Birthday’ to the NHS.

The Beacon of Light and Foundation of Light are very proud to light up Sunderland's skyline blue to celebrate 70 years of the NHS. Improving the health and wellbeing of everyone in the North East is a huge part of what we do and we are delighted to support the work of the NHS, something we hope to do for many years to come.

Phil King, Beacon of Light General Manager

The Beacon of Light's innovative Health & Wellbeing Zone will address the challenges people in the North-East face by delivering Health MOTs, improving awareness of nutrition and healthy eating and bringing together health specialists and experts to deliver life changing results. NHS England’s Medical Director for Cumbria and the North East, Professor Chris Gray, told the Sunderland Echo: "We are calling on churches, mosques, castles, historic homes and any buildings in towns, cities and villages to get involved and light up blue if they have the facilities to do so. "We also want the public to help us celebrate and get involved by taking photographs of the lit up buildings on the 5th July and sharing across social media with the hashtags #NHS70 #LightUpBlue."