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South Shields Town Hall is set to be lit up purple this weekend to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office of National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of Census Day on Sunday (21 March). The Census is a survey that is conducted every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households across England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801 with the exception of 1941.

It helps to inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.

The stunning Edwardian Grade II listed town hall will join more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales to be lit up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday 19 March through to Sunday 21 March - Census Day.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "We are delighted to be supporting and raising awareness of the 2021 Census campaign with the lighting up of our beautiful town hall.

"The information gathered from the census is incredibly important to us. It helps us to build a picture of our local communities while informing our planning of vital public services for the future, from schools and waste collection to housing and transport.

"Like any census of decades gone by, the information gathered provides a unique snapshot of life at a point in time. The 2021 census will also be of particular interest to historians of the future, giving them a fascinating insight into modern society and an understanding of how it has evolved.

"The census benefits everyone. It is important that every household completes and returns their surveys so that we can continue to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our residents and wider communities."

Households across South Tyneside will be receiving their census letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill their forms in online.  Papers forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support. To request a paper form or get help or advice, visit  or freephone 0800 141 2021.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, said: "The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital service we all rely on every single day within our communities.

"We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.

"We're thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank Â鶹ÊÓƵ for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history."

South Tyneside census facts

At the time of the last census....

• 148,127 people lived in South Tyneside;
• 53,691 people were married or in a registered same-sex civil partnership;
• Bangladesh (726 residents) was the top country of birth other than the UK;
• 9.6% travelled to work on a bus, minibus or coach while 10.5% took the train, underground, metro, light rail or tram;
• There were 1,513 nurses, 341 ship and hovercraft officers, and 6 veterinarians.

Notes to Editors:

About Census 2021

Everyone benefits from the census. It informs decisions nationally and locally on vital services and issues like diversity. Ultimately it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP's and dentists' services based on the information people give. The ONS has made it easier for people to complete the census online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.

The census will be held on 21st March 2021 in England and Wales and results will be available the following year. However personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

About the Office for National Statistics (ONS)

The Office for National Statistics produces the numbers that matter most- on the economy and business, people, population and communities. Operating impartially and free of political control, the ONS mobilises the power of data to help Britain make better decisions and improve lives.