Alexandra Palace, Somerset House and Piccadilly Lights are among the number of conic London sites which will light up blue tonight for the NHS.

This evening, Wednesday, July 5, the London Eye, Kew Gardens, Battersea Power Station and Trafalgar Square and Fountains will also glow blue to celebrate the NHS’ 75th anniversary this summer.

The illumination also celebrates NHS workers as well, many of which will go on a five-day strike from July 13-18 over pay and working conditions.

Other regions across the UK will join the capital in lighting up key buildings and sites tonight.

Established on July 5, 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system which what available to everyone and free at the point of delivery.

Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for NHS London said: “As the NHS turns 75 this year, we are proud to have the support of so many iconic landmarks across London including, The London Eye, ExCeL London and HMS Belfast among many others. 

“Our NHS staff in the capital are our greatest asset, which has been demonstrated time and time again throughout challenging periods, of course including the pandemic in which we saw staff go above and beyond to keep Londoners safe as well as during winter pressures. 

“It will be incredible to see our city Light Up Blue on the 75th anniversary and I encourage Londoners to get involved, share their photos and tag us on social media.”  

Sadiq Khan said: “The NHS is the backbone of our society, a service that makes a real and lasting difference to our lives every day and an example to the world of the importance of free healthcare for all. 

“London owes the NHS a huge debt of gratitude for the remarkable way that our healthcare workers go above and beyond to help their communities, in particular the incredible efforts they made to help save the lives of Londoners during the pandemic.  

“I am immensely proud that City Hall will light up in blue to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS, paying tribute to the amazing work of healthcare workers in London and across the country, as we continue to build a better and fairer London for everyone.” 

The public are encouraged to take and share their photos on social media using the hashtags; #LightUpBlue and #NHS75. 

For the full list of buildings lighting up blue for the NHS tonight in London and regionally, visit england.nhs.uk