Famous landmarks across the UK simultaneously lit up blue last night in a nationwide salute to the NHS, as part of a moving #LightItBlue campaign.

As many of you headed out into the streets in your slippers to applaud the NHS workers and carers, at 8pm historic buildings, major venues and tourist hotspots were also illuminated in solidarity with those who have been looking after the nation during the deadly outbreak of coronavirus.

The likes of the Royal Albert Hall, the London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Lincoln Cathedral, Manchester Central, Belfast Titanic Signature Building and many more were all turned blue using LED technology, creating a visual message of gratitude to the NHS.

Organised by a collective of leaders from the events and entertainment industry, buildings also featured screens reminding people about the government’s #StayHomeSaveLives campaign, encouraging Brits to do their bit for the cause while front line workers continue to do theirs.

Gary White and Chuck Crampton, who co-started the #lightitblue campaign said ahead of the event: “The events and entertainment industry finds itself in an unprecedented state of enforced inaction.

“The best thing we can do – apart from staying at home – is to use our skills and networks to say thank you to everyone who is supporting the NHS and risking their own health to help others during this pandemic.”

Gary continued: “We also feel a huge sense of responsibility for the mental wellbeing of many people within our industry who, having lost their jobs, are feeling anxious and confused about the future. We believe the #lightitblue campaign, inspired by the existing #clapforourcarers initiative, will galvanise their enthusiasm and pride in a mass gesture of solidarity.”

The campaign also welcomed the general public to join in at home by creating blue-themed images and videos, sharing them online using the #MakeItBlue hashtag.

Many people joined in yesterday by going out into the streets, their gardens or onto their balconies to applaud the NHS, with many donning their best blue to mark the occasion.

Event organisers said it was set up because throughout these ‘unprecedented times’, NHS workers ‘need to know we are grateful’.

And it transpired that the nation wholeheartedly agreed, creating a right ol’ racket at 8pm in praise of the country’s front line heroes.

No, YOU’RE crying.