Landmarks across the UK were illuminated and Britons lit candles at their doorsteps or windows on Tuesday evening in remembrance of the lives lost to coronavirus in the past year.
As the country marked the anniversary of the first lockdown, many stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with their phones, candles and torches to signify a “beacon of remembrance” for those who succumbed to Covid-19.
Earlier in the day, more than 300 organisations, community groups and charities took part in a minute’s silence at noon that was organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
In London, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and Wembley Stadium were among landmarks that were lit up in yellow to mark the occasion. Elsewhere, Liverpool Town Hall, Blackpool Tower, St Mary’s Lighthouse and Lincoln Cathedral also shone a light for the bereaved.
Parliaments and assemblies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also lit up, as well as Cardiff’s University and City Hall, Belfast’s Titanic Building and Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s House.
The vigil comes as the UK’s death toll hit 126,284, after a further 112 people died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, according to the government’s latest figures.
Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “The emotional toll of the grief so many of us have faced, at a time when so few of us have been able to connect with friends, family and community in the ways we normally would, is immeasurable.
“The work of so many communities, to recognise the day, sent a strong message to those hit hardest by the death of a loved one – they are not alone.
“From neighbours shining a light on their doorstep at 8pm, to political leaders respecting the minute’s silence, our nation has shown a vital acknowledgement of the challenges bereaved people have been facing during this difficult year.”
Candles lit outside the Old House at Home pub in Surrey as Britain marks the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown
(PA)
The charity is committed to making the national day of reflection an annual event “to recognise the impact of bereavement for any cause”, added Mr Reed.
Thousands of Britons posted photos of candles and lights being shone on their doorsteps on social media, using the hashtag #DayofReflection.
Members of the royal family also led tributes, with the Queen reflecting on the “grief and loss felt by so many” in a message sent alongside flowers to St Bartholomew’s hospital in the City of London.
It read: “As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson offered his “sincere condolences” to everyone who lost a loved one during the pandemic.
He said: “Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history.
“We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. We have all played our part, whether it’s working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Additional reporting by PA
