May 20, 2022

Are There Jubilee Beacon Lightings Near Me?

You might have heard the term “beacon lighting” recently, and you might be wondering what on earth that has to do with the upcoming Platinum Jubilee. To celebrate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II , local authorities will light thousands of beacons across the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth.

Known as a ‘beacon chain’, they were once a means of communication. However, they have now become a symbol of unity and the lighting of beacons are a long tradition for celebrating Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations.

Beacons were first lit for this purpose in 1897, to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Since then the lighting of beacons has marked royal events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees and also her 90th birthday in 2016.

Along with royal events, beacon lighting ceremonies have taken place to celebrate the arrival of the New Millennium, St. George’s Day, 50th and 70th anniversary of VE Day and many more celebrations. The Pagentmaster, Bruno Peek, has arranged these events for the last four decades.

The next event is, of course, the Platinum Jubilee which will begin on June 2nd with the lighting of the Principal Beacon at Buckingham Palace. Here are all the events closest to each of our stores.

Colourful line drawing of beacon next to text reading 'The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons 2nd June 2022'

Bicester

The Bicester beacon lighting event is being held by Bicester Heritage on Thursday 2nd June, with people being asked to meet at The Wriggly Monkey Brewery at 9pm. The ceremony culminates with the beacon lighting at 9.45pm.

While the event is free, you must register for a ticket to be able to attend which you can do here.

Brighton

Brighton, on the other hand, are doing things a little differently this year. As a result of objections from residents, two of the county’s historic beacons will remain unlit.

However, the beacon on Hove seafront will be still be lit on Thursday June 2nd for a short time. Then, with the addition of new LED lighting, the beacon can consequently continue to glow in the evenings whilst being safe for residents and tourists.

Chippenham

The closest beacon lighting event to our Chippenham store is the one being held in Bath city centre.

Bath are also doing differently too, by lighting up historic buildings, such as Bath Abbey, in purple from 10pm on Thursday 2nd June to mark the lighting of the beacons.

Enfield

Not only is there a beacon lighting near Enfield, but there are two for residents to choose from.

First, we have the Epping Beacon Lighting Ceremony being held at the Lindsey Street Community Association with the event beginning at 9.45pm.

In addition, there is the Great Amwell Platinum Jubilee Beacon which is being held at The Glebe Field, beginning at 9.45pm. Both events are around a 30 minute drive from our Enfield store and open to the public, no booking required.

Huntingdon

The closest event to our Huntingdon store is being held a 16 minute drive down the road at Hilton Cricket Pavilion. The beacon lighting will take place on the village green and it is a free event, open to the public.

Leighton Buzzard

Platinum Jubilee Celebration on the Green, hosted by Houghton Regis Town Council is the event closest to our Leighton Buzzard store. The celebration will be at The Village Green, beginning at 4pm with music, children’s entertainment and games planned. The event ends with the beacon lighting at 9.15pm.

Letchworth

The closet event to our Letchworth store is being held in St. Neots at Regatta Meadow. The celebration will be on Thursday 2nd June and will conclude with a firework display. The event is open to the public with no booking required.

Newbury

For Newbury and the surrounding area, the closest celebrations are being held in East Ilsley at The Crown and Horns Pub.

And there are a lot of fun things happening throughout the day. For instance, community choirs, afternoon tea and a proclamation from the Town Crier. This then leads to the lighting of the beacon. Head to the East Ilsley Council website to keep up to date with times etc.

Newmarket

The closest event to Newmarket is the Great Bradley Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. The celebrations are taking place in Bradley Park Wood. This beacon will be in the form of a bonfire which should be visible for many miles around.

The event will begin at 8pm, with the lighting of the beacon/bonfire at around 9.15pm. A 10pm finish, with transport to and from the event, via tractor and trailer.

And that is all the Jubilee Beacon events taking place near every Cinch Self Storage store. We hope you have one which you can attend and that you have a great time.