Iconic buildings across the North West to light up blue as the NHS turns 75

Bunting with text reading "#NHS75"
Bunting with text reading "#NHS75"

Some of the North West’s most iconic buildings, including Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, will light up blue this summer to mark the NHS turning 75.

On the evening on 5 July 2023 – 75 years to the day after the National Health Service was founded - local landmarks and buildings up and down the region will light up in the NHS’ famous blue.

The NHS in the North West is encouraging as many buildings, historic monuments and other high profile sites across the region to get involved and light up blue to celebrate the birthday.

On the day, people are encouraged to take photos of the illuminated buildings and share them via social media using the hashtags: #NHS75 and #LightUpBlueNW.

The NHS was established on 5 July 1948 as the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery.

Events will be held across the country to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

Chester Town Hall, Ellesmere Port Library and Chester’s Eastgate Clock are among those already confirmed as taking part in the ‘light up blue’ initiative in the North West, along with the iconic Royal Liver Building.

It is hoped that buildings that have been involved in celebrating the NHS in previous years will light up blue once again in 2023, to recognise the special place that our NHS plays in all our lives.

As well as lighting up landmarks, a whole host of birthday events will take place across the country. These include park runs, the NHS Big Tea parties, and a tour of the NHS’ George Cross. The public can help directly by volunteering, supporting their local NHS charity or by giving blood.

Richard Barker, Regional Director at NHS England North West said:

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“75 years ago the foundations of the modern health service were laid in Trafford. This significant anniversary gives us all a chance to come together and celebrate the service and reflect on everything it has done and continues to do for the people of this country and right here in the North West.

“The NHS is a point of pride for many people, for those that work for it and for those who have been cared for by it.

“This year I wanted to take the opportunity provided by the anniversary to thank staff working within the NHS across the North West, as well as the volunteers, carers, social care staff and other partners who make such a valuable contribution to our health service, for their hard work, their compassion and diligence, and for their dedication to our patients.

“As the anniversary events unfold in the coming weeks it is an opportunity for all of us to recognise that commitment and share our own gratitude to those working so hard to care for our families and our loved ones.”

If you own or run a building and want to be involved in the light up blue celebration in the North West, you can contact: Hayley.edwards5@nhs.net

For more information on all the celebrations ahead of NHS 75, and how you can be involved visit the NHS England website.