Lighting a landmark that is already lit up
A step-by-step guide
The easiest way of lighting a local landmark in blue is finding one that is already illuminated regularly, like a bridge, monument or cathedral.
Step 1
Approach the building and secure permission to light the building in blue for World Diabetes Day. Download the template letter (Word, 325KB) and press release (Word, 95KB) to help you in your approach.
Step 2
Adapt and send out the World Diabetes Day template press release (download in Word, 95KB) to your local newspaper or local radio station to get some publicity.
Step 3
Obtain blue light covers. Light covers are available in most hardware stores and online, at a relatively cheap cost. (The landmark owner may wish to purchase these themselves, or share the cost.)
Step 4
Fix blue light covers over existing lights. This is really straightforward and should take a couple of minutes per light. (The logistics of this will be different for each individual landmark and should be coordinated properly with the owner.)
Step 5
Enjoy the view of your local landmark lit up in blue for World Diabetes Day. Make sure you take lots of photographs and send one into worlddiabetesday@diabetes.org.uk.
Read our case study for more inspiration.
Lighting a landmark that is not already lit up
If the landmark you would like to approach is not usually illuminated at night, you can still approach it to light in blue.
The logistics will be more complicated and there may be a cost involved.
In order to give you the best chance of lighting such a landmark we have provided a template approach letter, which you can download here (Word, 325KB).
This letter includes signatures from six diabetes charities in the UK. For further information email worlddiabetesday@diabetes.org.uk.
Top tip
Local councils are a mine of information regarding questions and can always point you in the right direction, as are public libraries.