Landmarks Light Up to Mark Census Day

Published on: 19 Mar, 2021
Updated on: 21 Mar, 2021

Guildford’s Guildhall illuminated in purple light on a previous occasion. Photo GBC

Guildford’s Castle, Guildhall and Tunsgate Arch will join more than 100 buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple on Sunday, March 21 to celebrate the 2021 census.

The event, organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS), is to raise awareness of Census Day, the survey that happens every 10 years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. By answering the questions, you can help future decisions on services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.

James Whiteman, managing director of Guildford Borough Council, said: “Accurate data about our borough’s population is very important and affects the amount of money the council receives from central government.

“Our buildings will join other landmarks by lighting up purple to celebrate Census Day 2021 and show how significant it is.”

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 Guildford for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.”

Every household in England and Wales will have now received their census letters with unique access codes allowing them to fill in their census online.

Census day is March 21, but you can fill yours in as soon as you receive your letter if you’re confident there will be no change in who usually lives in your household.

Paper forms are available. If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit our website www.census.gov.uk. 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.

Other iconic landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower are signed up for the celebration, from Friday, March 19 to Sunday, March 21.

For further information on Census 2021, visit https://census.gov.uk/