Published Saturday 20 March 2021 at 10:07
King George’s Hall has joined more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.
The event was organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Council to raise awareness of the census, a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
Other iconic landmarks included the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower which took part in the celebration, seeing them light up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday March 19 through to March 21.
The census helps inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.
Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented:
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 Blackburn with Darwen for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history.
Every household in England and Wales should have received their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online. Paper forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support.
In the coming days, the census field operation will begin contacting households who have not completed their census. They will never enter a house, they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government guidance.
If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit www.census.gov.uk.
Blackburn with Darwen also have 3 Census Support Centres open across the borough, at Blackburn Library, Darwen Library and Audley & Queen’s Park Neighbourhood Community Centre.
Cllr Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:
It’s amazing to see King George’s Hall glowing purple as part of Census Day 2021.
The Census is an incredible national effort that only happens every 10 years, so it’s very important every household across Blackburn with Darwen is counted’
We encourage residents to take advantage of the brilliant advisors at our Census Support Centres, who are more than happy to help with any queries, questions or concerns you may have when it comes to filling out your form.
Blackburn Library
Available services: phone support, wifi, PC booking, face-to-face appointments
Contact: 01254 661 221
Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Darwen Library:
Available services: phone support, wifi, PC booking.
Contact: 01254 706 021
Monday & Friday: 10am to 1pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 1pm to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Audley & Queen’s Neighbourhood Community Centre:
Available services: phone support, wifi, PC booking, face-to-face appointments
Contact: 01254 507 720
Monday – Friday: 9am to 4pm