Published: Thursday, 2nd Jul 2020

Bolton Town Hall will light up blue on Saturday (July 4) to commemorate those lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is part of a weekend of events to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS, thank frontline staff and reflect on how the pandemic has affected all communities.

Landmarks across the country will light up on Saturday evening as part of the #MakeitBlue initiative and everyone is encouraged to place a light in their window or doorway as an act of remembrance.

Sunday (July 5) will be 72 years since the NHS was established.

Never more so than now has it been necessary to show our support for the NHS and our gratitude to all those who work in it.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said:

“Bolton is proud to join towns and cities across the UK in lighting our town hall blue as a sign of respect and to mark a significant milestone in the history of the NHS.

“Never more so than now has it been necessary to show our support for the NHS and our gratitude to all those who work in it.

“No words are sufficient to show our thanks for their commitment to those with COVID, caring for loved ones isolated from their families, on the front line of the pandemic.

“The weekend will be an opportunity to thank them, to celebrate their commitment and courage, but also to remember those we have lost.”

On Sunday at 5pm everybody will be encouraged to stop what they are doing and join their neighbours to applaud the NHS, other key workers and volunteers.

Please observe social distancing throughout.