The University of Birmingham’s ‘Old Joe’ clock tower is to join over a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales which will be lit up purple this weekend to celebrate the 2021 Census.
Organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day on Sunday March 21st, Old Joe will join the Library of Birmingham and Aston Villa in lighting up purple between Friday 19th and Sunday 21st March. National landmarks such as Blackpool Tower, the BT Tower in London and Cardiff’s Millennium Centre are also signed up to take part.
The census takes place every ten years, providing a snapshot of households and people. This 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 Old Joe 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 now be receiving their census letters with unique access codes enabling 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 for those who need it, plus a range of other support. If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit our website www.census.gov.uk. Our census support centre (freephone 0800 141 2021 is available if you can’t find the help you need online.
For further information on Census 2021:
- Visit the Census website
- Follow @CensusBrumSouth on Twitterand @Census2021 onTwitterandFacebook
- Drop in help sessions in multiple languages available. Info
Cover image: Fabio De Paola/PA Wire