Iconic Landmarks Light Up in Support of Air Ambulance Week
Air Ambulance Week 2025 takes place on Monday 8th to Sunday 14th September, and is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities, and the life-saving work they carry out.
To mark the occasion, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is collaborating with iconic local landmarks across both counties. On the evening of Monday 8th September, Bridport Clock Tower, Christchurch Priory, Corfe Castle, Glastonbury Tor, Weymouth Pavilion and Wookey Hole will all be illuminated yellow and green in support of Air Ambulance Week 2025.
Iconic Landmarks Supporting Lifesaving Work
Bridport Town Hall is a striking focal point of the town, dang back to 1786 and built on the site of the former St Andrew’s Church. Designed by architect William Tyler, this Grade I listed building gained its iconic clock and cupola twenty years later, making it stand proudly above its neighbours.
Christchurch Priory stands at the heart of its community, on a site which has been a holy place for 1,300 years. The striking impression given by the Priory’s exterior is more than matched on entering inside the building. Simon Jenkins, in ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’, describes the Priory as ‘sensational’.
Corfe Castle, over 1,000 years old, is one of Britain’s most evocative survivors of the English Civil War. It’s a favourite haunt for adults and children alike, captivated by the romantic castle ruins and breath-taking views across Purbeck.
Glastonbury Tor is one of Somerset’s most famous landmarks, rich in history, legend, and spiritual significance. Visible for miles, it offers breathtaking views across the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and even Wales.
St James Church, Yeovil dating back to around 1420, stands as a historic and much-loved landmark in Yeovil. Once a simple chapel, it has grown into a vibrant, independent parish church with modern facilities, undergoing significant transformations to serve its ever-growing community and continue its legacy.
Weymouth Pavilion is the town’s top venue for theatre, cinema, and events, with a rich history dating back to 1908. Rebuilt after a 1954 fire, it was revitalised in 2013 and remains a vibrant cultural hub.
James Gould, Property Operations Manager at Corfe Castle says:
“Our local communities rely heavily on the emergency response of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The castle will become a beacon of green and yellow to show our support to their vital service."
Vicar David Keen from St James’ Church says:
"DSAA does a vital and life-saving work in our communities, in a county where many places are hard to access. We're delighted to be able to support their work, and mark the 25th anniversary, by illuminating St James Yeovil for Air Ambulance Week. Thank you for everything you do, and we pray for God's blessing on all your crews and volunteers."
Tracy Bartram, Communications Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said:
“Air Ambulance Week is a key date in our calendar, as it enables us to raise awareness of our work and remind people that every mission we fly is only possible thanks to public support.
“This year we are incredibly fortunate to have the backing of six iconic landmarks and to see them illuminated in our colours is incredibly powerful. They are all instantly recognisable and each one reflects the incredible support of the communities we serve.
“With each mission costing around £3,500, raising awareness is just as important as raising funds, because people can only support us if they understand more about our work and the difference that their donations make. This wonderful awareness generating activity will go a long way in enable us to do that. We are so grateful to everyone involved for making this year’s Air Ambulance Week light-ups extra special.”
