It has been a feature on 12th May for notable landmarks to be illuminated in blue (the colour designated for ME) in solidarity with all those affected. In 2022 Perth was bathed in blue for the night, 2023 was marked in a similar fashion by landmarks in Glasgow, and last year Inverclyde answered ME Research UK’s call.
This year, the four constituent nations of the UK unite to mark International ME Awareness Day 2025 with Northern Ireland Assembly’s Parliament Buildings, Belfast City Hall, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Cardiff Castle, and the City of Aberdeen Council’s HQ illuminated in blue in honour of those affected by ME and to raise awareness of the disease.
Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd) is a leading historic landmark in Wales. Archaeological excavations have indicated that a series of four Roman forts, each a different size, occupied the present site at different times from the end of the 50s AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire the fort may well have been abandoned, although the settlement outside the wall (i.e. Cardiff) remained and likely took its name from Caer-Taff, meaning fort on the Taff. Rebuilt by the Normans and passing through the hands of many noble families, including the Marquisses of Bute the castle and extensive parklands were gifted by the Bute family to the city of Cardiff in 1947. For 25 years, the Castle was home to the National College of Music and Drama and since 1974 has become one of Wales’ most popular visitor attractions.
