City centre landmarks lighting up purple for census

LANDMARK: Hull City Hall lit up purple

Landmark buildings in Hull city centre will be lighting up purple to shine a light on the importance of the census.

The move is part of a national event organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of Census Day on March 21.

Hull City Hall, Hull Minster and the William Wilberforce statue near Queens Gardens will join iconic buildings across the country, including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, the BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower, in being lit up in the Census Day 2021 brand colour from Friday, March 19, to Sunday, March 21.

The census takes place every 10 years and helps inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, 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, said: “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 Hull for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.”

ICONIC: Hull Minister will be among the buildings being lit up purple

Cherie Wiles, Hull’s Census Engagement Manager, said: “We’re very proud to be lighting up some of our most familiar buildings and landmarks in recognition of Census Day 2021.

“The data collected by the census is incredibly important in assisting us help shape the services we offer as a council.

“If you have received your letter or form I would urge you to complete it as soon as possible.”

Every household in England and Wales will now be receiving their census letters with unique access codes, enabling them to fill in their form online. Census Day is March 21, but it can be completed as soon as letters arrive if there are no planned changes in who usually lives at the household.

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

Anyone needing support or who has not received their letter or a paper form can visit www.census.gov.uk. 

The Census Support Centre is also available on 0800 141 2021.