Seven beacons to light up Liverpool’s waterfront in tribute to Mark Jubilee Weekend.
Marking each decade of her sovereignty, the two-metre-high, copper gas beacons will be lit against the backdrop of the Three Graces, on the evening of Thursday 2 June.
Members of the public are invited to the lighting-up which will see activities start from 9.15pm, building up to the lighting at 9.45pm. The event is part of a global event which will see beacons illuminated across the Commonwealth.
They will be lit following a countdown led by incoming Lord Mayor Councillor Roy Gladden, and plans are in place for a special moment to mark the occasion, including a stirring live performance by Pipe Major James Axon and the Liverpool Scottish Regional Association band, along with Mezzo Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas.
As part of the celebrations, a special pre-event will take place at the British Music Experience inviting Liverpool residents who have received public recognition from Her Majesty by being appointed to the Order of the British Empire i.e., DBE, CBE, OBE, MBE, BEM, along with organisations who have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service or Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Anyone who has received royal recognition but who has not had an official invitation for Liverpool’s Jubilee event can contact rsvp.townhall@liverpool.gov.uk to register their details.
Across the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend, the city will embrace the bank holiday with staging Taste Liverpool. Drink Bordeaux – a brand new festival which shines a spotlight on Liverpool’s enviable street food scene as well as welcoming some of the world’s finest wines with tasting sessions and masterclasses. For more information head to the official site.
There will also be a number of street parties taking place at around 40 locations with residents making the most of the city council waiving closure fees, and officially applying for permission to stage their own celebrations with neighbours.
Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We are delighted to be part of the official Jubilee Beacons event, and I may be biased, but it will be hard to rival Liverpool’s impressive, iconic backdrop.
“Bringing together those who have received royal commendations is a lovely touch and it will be great to hear their stories and the positive differences their work has made to the community and the lives of those around them.
“It’s going to be an exciting bank holiday weekend in the city – with the food and drink festival and street parties taking place all over Liverpool, it’s clearly the place to be!”
Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, said:
“As the Platinum Jubilee Weekend approaches, I would ask you to reflect on the outstanding commitment that Her Majesty The Queen as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother has made to the nation and the Commonwealth.
“Many festivities will take place over the Bank Holiday weekend, and I would encourage you where possible to raise a glass (or two) to give thanks to a remarkable lady and long may she reign.”
Please note, the beacons will be alight for one hour on Thursday 2 June only.
