St Mary's Lighthouse was set to glow red on Friday 16 October for the 12th Wear Red Day, with the council's Killingworth site lit up too. How to still give.
St Mary’s Lighthouse was due to be lit red on Friday 16 October for Wear Red Day, the yearly day of action run by the anti-racism education charity Show Racism the Red Card. North Tyneside Council planned to light its Killingworth site red on the same night.
Updated 17 October: Wear Red Day has now taken place; this article has been updated to the past tense. Donations to the charity remain open.
This is the 12th Wear Red Day, and the council says it has backed the campaign for many years. The charity is based in North Tyneside, and the council describes it as having “strong roots” in the borough.
“One of North Tyneside’s most recognisable landmarks”
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Karen Clark said: “We’re proud to support Wear Red Day by lighting St Mary’s Lighthouse and our Killingworth site red and standing alongside everyone working to challenge racism in our communities.
“We’ve supported the campaign for many years and, as Wear Red Day celebrates its 12th anniversary, it’s a reminder of our commitment to creating a borough where people feel welcome, respected and valued. With Show Racism the Red Card having such strong roots in North Tyneside, it’s especially meaningful for us to show our support in this way.
“By lighting one of North Tyneside’s most recognisable landmarks red, we’re showing visible support for the campaign’s message to change hearts, change minds and change lives.”
James Kingett, North East Education Team Manager at Show Racism the Red Card, said: “It is really significant that North Tyneside Council are once again using the opportunity of Wear Red Day to send a positive message of allyship and support to those across the area who experience racism, prejudice and discrimination. These moments are as important as they have ever been and we thank everyone at North Tyneside Council for their continued support.”
From 7,000 to a target of a million
The charity calls Wear Red Day a UK-wide act of allyship and solidarity with people who still experience racism. Its figures: 7,000 people registered for the first one in 2014, and 710,000 took part in 2024. On its Wear Red Day page, checked on 14 October, it has set itself a target of one million for 2026.
The charity says it works to challenge racism by empowering role models in communities, organisations and sport.
Behind the lighting
The council links the lighting to its own equality work. Its Ethnic Diversity Staff Network helped shape the authority’s Anti-Racism Promise and action plan, and supported its successful application to become a Race Equality Matters Bronze Trailblazer. The council says this is part of a wider commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace for all.
What it means for you
- The lighting: St Mary’s Lighthouse was due to be red on the night of Friday 16 October, alongside the council’s Killingworth site.
- Fundraising packs: schools, workplaces and groups can find the charity’s fundraising information on its Wear Red Day page.
- Give: the charity’s page lists text donations: text RED to 70470 to give £1, RED5 to give £5 or RED20 to give £20, plus the standard message rate.
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