Hartlepool landmarks to be lit up to mark one year on from the first Covid lockdown

On Monday, March 23,2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people could only shop for basic necessities, limited exercise to one form a day, restricted travel only to and from essential work and told the entire UK to stay at home.

Now, as that anniversary approaches, it has been confirmed three Hartlepool landmarks – Seaton Carew Bus Station and Clock Tower, Hartlepool Art Gallery and St Hilda’s Church on the Headland – will be bathed in a pool of rainbow light on three consecutive nights.

Town leaders say it will allow residents an opportunity to safely reflect on the past 12 months, with the displays to run from 7.30m to 9.30pm.

One Tuesday, March 23, Seaton Carew Bus Station and Clock Tower will be lit up, the next night, St Hilda’s Church on the Headland will glow and the display will end on Thursday, March 25, when Hartlepool Art Gallery will be the focus of the effort.

Councillor Sue Little, Hartlepool Borough Council's policy chairman for culture, said: “Covid-19 has affected so many people in a number of different ways and we hope these light installations will provide people with the opportunity to process their experiences and hopefully look forward to a more positive future.

“Whether you’ve lost a loved one, have experienced financial hardship as a result of Covid, have been unable to visit relatives, have struggled with home working arrangements, or have your own coronavirus story to tell – we hope you will appreciate the opportunity to reflect.”

People wishing to attend the light installations are asked to observe Covid-19 restrictions, while the council’s Community Street Ambassadors will be on hand to assist.

Hartlepool-based Daniel Brobbel – from Artistic Solutions – who is designing the installations said: “I’m delighted to be working with Hartlepool Borough Council on this project and I hope residents enjoy seeing these landmarks being illuminated in this way.”

Nationally, a minute's silence and a national doorstep vigil will form part of a day of reflection to mark the anniversary of the UK's first Covid lockdown.

There will be a minute's silence at noon on Tuesday, March 23, with people encouraged to light up their doorsteps that night.

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