WE are proud to be part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons and Associated Activities on June 2, 2022

A Wrexham community has announced plans to light a beacon for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month.

The beacon in Hanmer is one of thousands being lit across the UK and Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee weekend.

The lighting will take place on Thursday, June 2 at The Mere Head, Hanmer (SY13 3EJ), and it will be one of more than 2,000 lit by charities, communities and faith groups all over the UK.

In addition, beacons will be lit in all 54 Commonwealth capitals and the Principal Beacon lighting will take place in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the evening.

This will take the form of a lighting installation with the Queen’s Green Canopy 'Tree of Trees’ sculpture and projections onto the front of Buckingham Palace. This innovative new way of taking part in the beacon lighting will reflect the Royal family’s long history championing environmental causes.

Bruno Peek, pageantmaster of the Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Beacons said: “Building on a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark significant royal celebrations, thousands of beacons will be lit across the UK and the Commonwealth. They will enable local communities to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.

“For the first time, town criers, pipers, buglets and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way.

"It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting, which will highlight both the diversity and unity of the nation and the Commonwealth.

"The Queen has lit up our lives for 70 years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour.”

Lady Hanmer, on behalf of the Hanmer community, said: “We are so proud to be part of this wonderful celebration for Her Majesty, The Queen’s 70th year as our monarch and head of the Commonwealth on her Platinum Jubilee.

"We are very excited to mark this unique milestone in history with a Community Beacon Party that we hope will bring everyone together for such a momentous occasion.”

The Hanmer Community Beacon Party will start at 6.30pm. Also on the night will be the Hanmer Bake Off competition and Royal fancy dress competition. Winners of both will be announced at 9pm by a panel of four local judges.

Other entertainment includes: a live band, bouncy castle, face painting, bar, hog roast, ice cream stall, wheelbarrow racing, games and activities, and a raffle.

At 9.40pm Mr Mark Griffiths (along with other buglers across the UK and Commonwealth) will officially announce the lighting of the beacon, with a specially written bugle call, entitled Majesty.

Then at 9.45pm exactly local time, and to coincide with the lighting of the beacons across the UK and Commonwealth, Ted Faulkner, a much loved and respected Hanmer resident, will light the Beacon.