Iconic landmarks including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower and our very own Trent Building will be lit up in a beacon of blue to celebrate the NHS’ 72nd birthday.

On Saturday 4 July – the eve of the anniversary – the #LightItBlue illuminations across the country will pay tribute not only NHS staff but to those that have helped the organisation during its most challenging period since its 1948 inception.

Professor John Atherton, Pro Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences at the University said: “We are pleased to support the #lightItblue campaign and to light up the University’s Trent Building to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

It is particularly poignant and important at this moment, in that we can show our gratitude to the NHS and pay tribute to the staff who have helped the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the countless other organisations that have supported the NHS through such a difficult period.

We would also like to take the opportunity to start our university birthday celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Medical School and 30 years of nursing education in Nottingham.

Now, more than ever, we want to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our colleagues and students, and to mark these important anniversaries with a series of events stretching out across the next academic year.”

#LightItBlue was created by the events and entertainment industry to show a united display of gratitude for those risking their own health to look after Britons who are ill with COVID-19.

The initiative began on Thursday 26 March when over 100 of the UK’s most famous castles, cathedrals, bridges, city halls, sports stadiums and giant LED screens were illuminated in blue to coincide with the nationwide applause for the NHS and frontline care workers.

Since then, eminent landmarks across the world including Windsor Castle, Niagra Falls, Komazawa Park Olympics Memorial Tower and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco have taken part.