The illumination of the Lanyon Building is a symbolic gesture to mark institutional and global days of significance. It reflects the university’s support for these important occasions and highlights our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, while also raising awareness of key social and cultural issues. 

Under the university’s new Illumination Policy, the building will be illuminated only on the agreed dates specified in the policy and the Annual Diversity Calendar (as listed below), highlighting key institutional celebrations that align with the university’s values and priorities. The University will not illuminate the Lanyon on any dates outside the agreed institutional dates.  

Any requests made outside of these dates will be collated by the Diversity and Inclusion Unit as part of the monitoring and review of this policy, and considered and agreed upon each Autumn (for the following year) by the Civic University and External Affairs Committee and will form the basis of the university’s Annual Diversity Calendar. 

Following a new lighting installation in June 2024, there are ten light fittings available at the front of the Lanyon Building that can now be programmed to a variety of colour options which project onto the red brick façade. The colour options and timings are remotely managed by the Estates Directorate.  

Due to the red brick façade of the Lanyon Building, illuminating the Lanyon in some colour options is not possible. Illumination of other local landmarks such as Belfast City Hall and Stormont lend themselves to a wider colour choice. Currently, the Lanyon Building is unable to be illuminated orange and yellow / gold. The colour choices are red, blue, purple, pink and green, and some combination of these colours e.g., alternating the light fittings to create a rainbow or sectioned colour blocks giving the appearance of a rainbow colour scheme. 

Colours for illumination and any variation will be agreed, updated, tested and maintained by the Estates Department, ensuring that the right quality, quantity and colour of light is used to create the best illumination experience.  

Please see below the full calendar of approved illumination dates, recognition days and colours for 2026.

The illuminations will be scheduled to align with the existing floodlighting system, beginning at dusk and concluding at midnight, in line with daylight saving hours.  

No, the lights will turn on and off at the agreed times and are aligned with the lighting system currently in place.  

The university is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.  The illumination of the Lanyon Building will be managed in accordance with the principles of Queen’s Net Zero Plan.   

Any planned illumination is for the Lanyon Building facade only, with no other buildings across Queen’s estate included in this initiative. 

The selection process includes consultation with diverse groups and stakeholders to ensure sensitivity and inclusivity. The goal is to respect and celebrate the diversity of our staff, students, and the wider community. 

All feedback will be reviewed and addressed in line with the university’s values and policies. The Illumination Policy was equality screened as part of the policy development process.