Calls for Wrexham to ‘Light Up Red’ to mark Poppy Appeal centenary

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd is hoping buildings, landmarks and monuments across the town will ‘Light Up Red’ to celebrate 100 years of the Poppy Appeal.

This year marks a special anniversary for the Royal British Legion as the charity commemorates 100 years of helping serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families.

To mark this historic occasion, the Royal British Legion is looking for both public and private buildings, however large or small, to support its Poppy Appeal by lighting up red in the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday on 14 November.

Lesley Griffiths MS is supporting the ‘Light Up Red’ campaign after being approached by British Legion’s Community Fundraiser for North Wales, Kevin Forbes.

The Member of the Senedd has written to Wrexham County Borough Council, as well as a number of other local organisations and businesses, to request whether their buildings and landmarks across the town can be lit up red between 28 October and 14 November 2021.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “The Royal British Legion has been supporting the armed forces community for 100 years and throughout that time, the red poppies have been the enduring symbol of remembrance and peace.

“I am grateful to Kevin for contacting me about his idea.  ‘Light Up Red’ is a wonderful initiative that will help raise awareness and spread a message of hope and togetherness.

“St Giles’ Church has confirmed it will light up red and any building with external lighting can take part.  I believe it would be a poignant and fitting tribute to see a number of Wrexham’s buildings and landmarks illuminated to honour our servicemen and women on this very special anniversary.”