Tottenham Hotspur Stadium celebrates NHS birthday

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was selected as one of the major landmarks across the country to be illuminated blue tonight (Saturday 4 July) – the eve of the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Our iconic stadium joined landmarks including the Royal Albert Hall, Blackpool Tower, Wembley Stadium, the National Gallery and Balmoral Hotel in paying tribute to NHS staff and all key workers who have served the country throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is the second time this year that Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was illuminated blue in tribute of the NHS – first as part of the launch of the #ClapForOurCarers initiative in March, which sparked the entire nation to come together every Thursday at 8pm to applaud the heroic efforts of those on the front line.

Tonight’s illuminations were co-ordinated by the #LightItBlue campaign, which also encouraged households across the nation to get involved by placing blue lights in their front windows.

A nationwide round of applause will return on Sunday at 5pm to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS – formed on 5 July, 1948. This will be a moment for people to reflect on everything our communities have recently endured, stand in solidarity to mourn our losses, and thank those who are risking so much to keep us safe.

Prerana Issar, Chief People Officer for NHS England, said: “The support the NHS has received from the public during this pandemic has been truly overwhelming, and the Light It Blue campaign is a great way to celebrate the 1.5 million NHS staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly during the past few months to help patients and their families.

“The 5 July, 2020, which is the birthday of our NHS, is about saying thank you to everyone without whom the NHS wouldn’t have been able to respond to coronavirus.”