A series of beacons will be lit across the Harrogate district on Thursday night as part of national celebrations to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
From a caravan park to a castle, the venues come in all shapes and sizes, and cover the length and breadth of the district.
Beacons are set to be lit at 9.45pm, in line with the national event which will see thousands lit around the UK and more across the Commonwealth.
Many of the public locations of beacons in the Harrogate district are listed below. Others are being organised as private events, such as by Scout groups.
If your town, village or community is lighting a beacon and you would like us to include details, send them to [email protected].
Ripon Market Square
Ripon’s beacon has a burner head in the shape of a globe, representing the countries of the Commonwealth, surrounded by a crown.
A piper will play Diu Regnare, written for the platinum jubilee by Stuart Liddell, the 2020 Glenfiddich champion and pipe major of the world.
Knaresborough Castle
The highest point above the river in Knaresborough will offer a spectacular setting for the town’s beacon.
Masham: Roomer Common
A bugle call will announce the beginning of the event at 9.40pm, with the beacon set to be lit five minutes later.
Spofforth Castle
The village’s beacon is being created by farrier Gary Harland, using discarded horseshoes to mark the Queen’s love of horses.
Members of Spofforth School Choir will sing a medley of songs from 9pm, followed by a performance the Commonwealth Song, written for the occasion, by Spofforth Church Choir.
The lighting of the beacon will be accompanied by music from saxophonist Millie Hope.
Almscliffe Crag
The lighting of the beacon is not a formal public event because of concerns over health and safety, so anyone attending does so at their own risk.
However, the beacon should be visible for some distance from its position on top of the crag.
Read more:
Dallowgill
A jubilee bonfire will be lit at Greygarth Monument.
There is limited parking available at Greygarth if the weather is dry, and at Tom Corner or the Methodist Chapel.
Dacre
The village beacon will be list at Dover Castle, near Low Hall, with songs including the national anthem. Visitors are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.
Woodhouse Farm Caravan Park, Winksley
Residents and visitors are invited to gather in The Barn from 8.30pm, when hot chocolate will be available in commemorative jubilee mugs from £4. The group will move onto the park at 9.30pm ready for the beacon lighting and singing the national anthem.
Langthorpe
The jubilee beacon will be lit in Back Lane. Visitors are asked to park on the main road and walk up to the site.
West Tanfield
The beacon is in a field on the left-hand side of the road as you approach West Tanfield from Ripon, just before the bridge into the village.
