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Each year, World Autism Awareness Day brings communities together in powerful, visible ways and 2026 promises to be our brightest year yet. Across East Anglia, iconic landmarks, businesses, and community spaces will once again illuminate their buildings in Autism Anglia’s signature pink and purple, sending a message of pride, acceptance, and support to autistic people and their families.

And this year, your organisation can be part of it.

On the evening of Thursday 2nd April 2026, we’re inviting local businesses, venues, attractions, and public buildings to join our annual community lighting initiative: #ShineYourOwnLight.

This campaign has fast become a much‑loved tradition across our region. A moment where East Anglia quite literally lights up in solidarity, celebrating neurodiversity and raising awareness of autism in a way that is both meaningful and visually unforgettable.

What #ShineYourOwnLight Is All About

#ShineYourOwnLight is Autism Anglia’s regional lighting campaign that encourages communities to come together by illuminating buildings, shopfronts, offices, and landmarks in pink and purple, our organisation colours that represent acceptance, unity, and the vibrancy of autistic lives.

What started as a small initiative has quickly grown into a powerful movement. Last year, well‑known venues including Ipswich Town Hall and the Colchester Mercury Theatre took part, helping to spread visibility and connection right across the region. Their participation not only raised awareness, it helped spark conversations, shift perceptions, and remind autistic people that they are seen, valued, and supported.

And this year, we’re aiming bigger than ever. 🙌

Whether you’re a small business lighting a single window display or a city landmark switching on a full façade of colour, every contribution helps create a collective moment of celebration and advocacy.

Why Lighting Up Matters

Lighting up a building may seem like a simple act but the impact it creates is significant.

🌟 It makes autistic people feel seen

Visibility matters. When autistic people see landmarks and venues lighting up in their honour, it sends a message of respect, acceptance, and community support.

🌟 It promotes understanding

Lighting up inspires curiosity and conversation. People stop, take photos, share online, and ask questions and that creates opportunities for education and awareness.

🌟 It unites our region

When multiple towns and cities join together, it sends a strong message: East Anglia stands proudly with autistic people and their families.

🌟 It shows your organisation’s values

Businesses and venues that take part help demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and social impact something customers and employees increasingly care about.

🌟 It’s simple, positive, and powerful

Just one evening of lighting can contribute to long‑lasting cultural change.

So Who Can Take Part?

If your organisation has any kind of lighting, you can join the campaign:

• Offices
• Retail shopfronts
• Restaurants, bars, or cafés
• Theatres and entertainment venues
• Tourist attractions
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Public buildings
• Sports grounds
• Community halls and faith buildings
• Hospitality and leisure venues

Whether you can illuminate an entire building or simply add a pink and/or purple glow to your entrance, you’re contributing to something meaningful. Every light counts.

How to Join #ShineYourOwnLight 2026

Taking part is incredibly easy and we’d love to have as many organisations involved as possible.

✅ Step 1. Register your location

Email Georgina Richardson at grichardson@autism-anglia.org.uk to confirm your organisation’s participation and your lighting plans.

✅ Step 2. Light up on Thursday 2nd April

Switch on your pink and purple lighting from dusk onwards.

✅ Step 3. Share your support online

If you spot your venue or another landmark lit up, share a photo and tag Autism Anglia using #ShineYourOwnLight. This helps us highlight everyone taking part and brings our community together online.

Why Your Support Matters

At Autism Anglia, we are committed to enhancing the lives of autistic people across East Anglia through community support, specialist services, fundraising initiatives, and awareness events.

Campaigns like #ShineYourOwnLight help us reach more people, build more inclusive communities, and create a visible culture of acceptance.

By taking part, your organisation is helping to:

• Raise awareness
• Reduce stigma
• Celebrate autistic identities
• Connect families with support
• Promote acceptance and understanding
• Show leadership in community engagement

Your light is more than a glow. It’s a message.

Let’s Light Up East Anglia. Together.

We can’t wait to see which buildings, venues, and businesses join us this year as we shine a beacon of pride and support across our region.

If you’d like your organisation to take part, get in touch we’d love to have you with us for this year’s celebration. Let’s light up East Anglia for autism. Together. ✨