Coventry to light up for International Day of the Nurse on Tuesday
Coventry is set to light up on Tuesday (May 12) to mark the International Day of the Nurse.
Landmarks in the city centre will be lit in different shades of blue to commemorate the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, and residents across Coventry are being encouraged to light up their homes and front windows to be part of the tribute to all NHS frontline staff.
A partnership between Coventry City of Culture Trust, Coventry City Council and Coventry BID will see the Belgrade Theatre, the Herbert Art Gallery, Bull Yard, Gosford Street Park and Broadgate turn blue from 8pm.
And residents, who are being urged to stay at home and create their own illuminated tribute – either by putting up Christmas lights or digging out electric candles – can share their pictures on social media using the hashtag #CoventryGlows at 8pm.
Coventry City of Culture Trust will share a selection of images throughout the week of the lit-up landmarks and the public submissions.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We wanted to mark the International Day of the Nurse to thank all of the frontline NHS staff for the incredible job they do for us, which has been brought into even sharper focus over recent months – reminding us about what really matters in our lives.
“So, while it is the International Day of the Nurse, this will be Coventry’s tribute to all the nurses, carers, doctors, porters, lab technicians, cleaners and all frontline staff and key workers who work nonstop to save lives and protect the public.
“Lighting up iconic landmarks will give us some very moving images to share with the city and the world. We are urging the public not to head out to those places but, instead, to create and share their own light tributes at home that will form part of a gallery curated by our citizens over the course of the week.”
Councillor George Duggins, Leader, Coventry City Council, said: “The current situation facing everyone in the country has again highlighted just how important a role those in the NHS, medical and caring sectors play in keeping everyone safe and healthy.
“We all understand and appreciate they are our real heroes and every Thursday evening people have continued to show their own support and appreciation on their doorsteps.
“International Day of the Nurse coupled with the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, presents another splendid opportunity for the community to show their support by lighting up their windows in a glowing tribute to those who continue to work on the front line during these challenging times.
“As a Council we will also be proudly flying flags for our NHS and care nurses from the city’s Council House as an additional gesture of solidarity and support for those working in the health and care services.”
Trish Willetts, Coventry BID director, said: "Coventry BID is delighted to be supporting this wonderful initiative, as we come together as a city to mark a moment in time where we reflect on those people who have gone above and beyond to keep us safe. Never before have we needed to show kindness so much and thank the NHS."
