As the world unites in condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one of the North East’s most iconic landmarks will be lighting up in solidarity.
From Wednesday night St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay will be illuminated in the national colours of Ukraine – blue and yellow.
At the same time North Tyneside Council’s Killingworth site will also be lighting up in blue and yellow in support of the people of Ukraine, whose lives have in the past week been torn apart by war.
The Ukrainian flag will also be flown from the council’s main offices across the borough, as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s troops continue their advance on Kyiv and other major cities.
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St Mary’s Lighthouse will be blue on Wednesday, yellow on Thursday and then alternate between the two colours from Friday.
The move follows scores of landmark monuments across the globe that since Russia’s invasion of its neighbour Ukraine on February 24, have been lighting up in blue and yellow, including Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum in Rome, New York’s Empire State Building, and the London Eye.
The Millennium Bridge crossing the River Tyne has also been lit in blue and yellow in a symbolic gesture of solidarity from Gateshead Council.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn, said: “On behalf of North Tyneside Council, I want to show our full, unwavering support for the families, residents and communities who are suffering because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The heart-breaking scenes that are being broadcast across the world are unimaginable and the spirit, bravery and determination the people of Ukraine are showing to protect themselves, their homes and their families is incredible.
“North Tyneside is proud to be home to many unique and diverse communities. We are a welcoming borough and I hope everyone who lives here, from any background, feels safe and part of our borough.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the conflict which I hope is resolved soon.”
It’s not the first time that St Mary’s Lighthouse has been lit up as a mark of respect.
In February 2021 it turned blue for five nights in memory of 100-year-old national hero and war veteran, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised more than £32m for the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic by walking 100 laps of his garden.
And it was illuminated in red in 2018 to mark Remembrance Sunday and the 100 th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
