Black Swan Arts Centre and the Heritage Museum in Frome will join more

than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of census day on March 21, a survey that happens every ten years.

Other iconic landmarks including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, the BT Tower in London and the Blackpool Tower, which are signed up and will light up for the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday March 19 through to March 21.

The census helps 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.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, said: " The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services 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 Frome for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete

their census and be part of history"

The Black Swan Arts Centre and the Heritage Museum in Frome will light up

purple from half past eight o'clock tonight (March 19) and will and keep their buildings illuminated until March 21.

Every household in England and Wales will now be receiving their census

letters with unique access codes enabling them to fill in their census online.

Census day is March 21, but you can fill yours in as soon as you receive your

letter if you're confident there will be no change in who usually lives in your

household.

Papers forms are available for those who need it, plus a range of other support. If you need any help, or to request a paper form, you can visit www.census.gov.uk. or call freephone 0800 141 2021.

For further information on Census 2021, visit https://census.gov.uk/.