Adam King’s ‘virtual hug’ to light up buildings tonight

The six-year-old boy from Co Cork, whose ‘virtual hug’ provided one of television’s most memorable moments last year, is set to see it light up buildings across the country tonight.

Adam King’s virtual hug sign, which he first shared with Late Late Toy Show host Ryan Tubridy, will be displayed at locations in Dublin, Cork and Waterford city centres.

It’s hoped the gesture will encourage people to send a virtual hug to someone they care about.

In a post on social media, Adam said: “Because we can’t hug each other, I am sending a virtual hug to all of you. So keep an eye out, as you might catch one!”

Adam King’s ‘virtual hug’ lights up the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin

After talking about his interest in space on the Toy Show, Adam received a surprise video call from retired astronaut Chris Hadfield.

He also received a congratulatory letter from the Taoiseach and the ‘virtual hug’ was made into a postmark by An Post.

Today, 21 January, marks National Hugging Day in a number of countries, including the United States, where it was first celebrated in 1986.