Census 2021: Landmarks lit

The celebration lighting has been organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of Census Day this Sunday 21 March.

The survey happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Other iconic and national landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration.

They are all lit up in the Census 2021 brand colour of purple from tonight (Friday 19 March), Saturday 20 March, Census Sunday and into Monday.

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

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Census '21 is helping provide a detailed and in-depth picture of our city and all its residents."

Joining Northern Spire, Penshaw Monument and the Beacon of Light, are Fulwell MIll, Hylton Castle, High Street West, Cliffe Park lighthouse, and both Keel and Market squares. 

Cllr Miller added: "The census is collecting information for Sunderland's future so I would urge every household to please complete it, if not already.

Every household in Sunderland - more than 120,000 of them - will now have received their census letters with unique access codes.

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

The census support centre (freephone 0800 141 2021 in England and 0800 169 2021 in Wales) is available if you can't find the help you need online.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.