Jubilee beacons
Nottinghamshire will be illuminated from end to end next weekend, with beacons celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Between 10 and 10.30pm on Monday 4 June, more than 80 beacons will be lit in gardens, parks and other public places across the length and breadth of the county, bringing communities together to mark this historic occasion.
It had been hoped that Nottinghamshire would be able to contribute 46 beacons towards the national target of 2,012, but the support received has far exceeded expectations.
It is estimated that as many as 40,000 people will attend one of the beacon events in Nottinghamshire, organised by community groups, parish and town councils and local sports clubs across the area.
Each event that was registered before the end of April will be entered into a special book that will be presented to The Queen.
“The support from the people of Nottinghamshire has been superb,” said Chief Fire Officer Frank Swann, who was asked to co-ordinate the project on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Andrew Buchanan and has been joined by representatives of local authorities in pulling the events together.
“Local people have been caught up in the spirit of the occasion and have been keen to play their part in the celebrations, whether it’s an activity to bring the whole community together on the village green, or a smaller event in a private garden for family and friends.
“We hope that people will take great care with their beacons, heed the safety advice and make this a special day to remember.”
Information about the beacons can be found on the county, district and borough council websites. There is also a special Queen’s Jubilee website (www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk - use the ‘Beacon Locator’ button) that includes an interactive map showing the locations of all events registered across the country.
Did you know?:
- There is a long and unbroken tradition of celebrating royal events by lighting beacons.
- The Queen will light the national beacon at 10.30pm on 4 June in London.
- The Queen is only the second monarch in British history to celebrate 60 years on the throne.
