December 1 is an annual opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

This World AIDS Day, National AIDS Trust (NAT) is challenging people to stand up to outdated stereotypes and stigma against HIV with this year’s campaign: “Not Retro, Just Wrong.”

And to show our support for the occasion, The Blackpool Tower will be illuminated in red on Thursday, the same colour as the ribbons which are worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Secretary, said: “World AIDS Day is an important day of remembrance and a useful time to pause for thought about the impact that HIV/AIDS has had on the world around us.

“Around 100,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK, and globally an estimated 34 million have HIV.

“I hope people can take a moment to reflect on World Aids Day and remember those who’ve lost their lives, celebrate the medical advances that are seeing improving survival rates and educate themselves about safety and prevention.”

In addition to lighting up The Blackpool Tower for this important day, a charity awareness and fundraising event will take place at the Flying Handbag at 8pm on Thursday evening, organised by Horizon Blackpool.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show support to and solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV.

For more information, visit www.worldaidsday.org