Hundreds of events will be held across the UK to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this bank holiday weekend. From Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, hundreds of street parties will be taking place up and down the country, alongside official events including Trooping the Colour and a platinum jubilee concert.
The Jubilee marks 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne and she’s the first British monarch to reign for this length of time. As part of the celebrations for this historic event, beacons will be lit throughout the nation and overseas in Commonwealth countries.
Beacons have been traditionally lit at every Jubilee and to mark other royal events, such as a monarch’s milestone birthday. Beacons were also lit in 1977, 2002 and 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
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Historically, beacons have been used as a way to communicate. A statement on the official website says: “A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration.”
Where are the Platinum Jubilee beacons?
Beacons will be lit throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and British Overseas Territories. The principal beacon is at the Mall in central London.
Beacons will also be lit in the capital cities of Commonwealth countries including Australia, Barbados, Canada, India, Malta, Singapore and South Africa. More than 2,000 beacons will be lit across the world.
In the UK they will be lit in various cities, towns and villages. Beacons on top of the four highest peaks in the UK - Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, Mount Snowdon in Wales and Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland will also be lit.
Other notable locations include the Queen’s Sandringham and Balmoral Estates, at the Copper Horse statue of King George III in Windsor Great Park, and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
There are several beacon events taking place across Greater Manchester including at Saddleworth and at Peel Tower in Bury.
A full list of all the beacons being lit across the country can be found in the the official guide here.
When will the beacons be lit?
All the beacons in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2, except the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Anchor Chain which will be lit at 9.30pm. The beacons along Hadrian’s Wall will be lit at 10pm.
In Commonwealth nations beacons will be lit at 9.15pm local time.
At 2pm on the day town criers are invited to undertake the ‘Proclamation’, announcing the lighting of the beacons later that day. At 9.35pm communities are encouraged with pipers or bands to perform “Diu Regnare”, which was specially written for the Jubilee.
Then at 9.40pm bugle and cornet players will perform a unique call to announce the formal lighting of the beacons, with the official lighting taking place at 9.45pm.
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