Entertainment

London’s Shard annual light switch-on done by NHS staff in honour of key workers

The building was lit up with blue lights and Morse code, in honour of key workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
The building was lit up with blue lights and Morse code, in honour of key workers on the front lines of the pandemic. The building was lit up with blue lights and Morse code, in honour of key workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

London’s The Shard was lit up in honour of the NHS and key workers who have worked on the front lines during the pandemic – with the annual Christmas switch-on done by three healthcare staff.

Medical workers from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust were invited to switch on the display, which saw all 20 storeys of the building lit up with more than 575 LED lights and fixtures.

This year’s lights feature a Morse code message, spelling out ‘Thank You’, beamed across the capital in NHS blue and white, with rainbow-inspired accents.

Lizzie Rowland, a matron from the hospital, who switched on the display, said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for everyone and we are not out of the woods yet, which is why it’s so special to see such a touching tribute reflected on western Europe’s tallest building.

“The teamwork and dedication shown across the country has been exceptional and really proves the commitment all staff have to delivering patient care. It has been an honour to represent the NHS, and all key workers across the country, by switching on these lights.”

The Shard
The Shard More than 575 LED lights and fixtures are used in the display (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

The Morse code messages were verified by the Radio Society of Great Britain and will be displayed at two words-per-minute to ensure they can be deciphered by people across the city.

Tom O’Reilly, from the Radio Society, said: “Morse code has been a vital method of communication throughout history, and it is still in use today.

“It is so great to see it still playing a role in getting important messages out during times of hardship, and what better message to display across London than a thank you to the key workers who have been so brave in protecting us this year.”

(The Shard) (Tareq Mooradun-tmnikonian)

The lights will be beamed across London every evening until December 11, when they will be switched to a festive theme.

The display follows The Shard’s participation in the Light It Blue campaign in March, which saw buildings around the country lit up in support of NHS and key workers.

The Shard spire lights have remained blue ever since.

Michael Baker, from The Shard, said:  “As a beacon for modern London and one of the most iconic buildings in the UK, we wanted this year’s Shard Lights to demonstrate our immense gratitude to all the heroes on the front lines, who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe throughout the pandemic.

“We hope they can also bring some much-needed festive cheer into the daily views of people across the capital.”