Guildford Plays Its Part in Beacon Celebration of Queen’s 90th Birthday

Published on: 21 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 22 Apr, 2016

The Mayor of Guildford uses her torch to light another at the Guildhall before the procession headed off.

Loyal Guildfordians celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday this evening (April 21) with a torchlight procession from the Guildhall to The Mount where the Mayor of Guildford lit a beacon, one of 1,000 across the country and the Commonwealth.

At the Guildhall, the Mayor, Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “I am delighted that Guildford is able to play its full part in such an historic event.

She then read out a message from the Prince of Wales: “I am delighted that so many people throughout the United Kingdom are coming together to light beacons in celebration of my mother, The Queen’s ninetieth birthday. It is a wonderful gesture which I know has deeply touched Her Majesty.

“Beacons are to be lit on mountaintops, on beaches, in farmyards and on church towers, uniting us all in our heartfelt appreciation of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and other Realms, and to the Commonwealth.”

The procession, led by the Mayor starts to climb The Mount.

With the torches lit, the procession moved of down the High Street and then climbed The Mount collecting people on the way so that by the time everyone gathered around the beacon there were estimated to be around 400 present.

The Mayor prepares to light the beacon at precisely 8.32pm.

The Mayor, under the guidance of the Guildford Lions organisers, lit the beacon at the designated time of 8.32pm precisely. The Mayor then led the singing of Happy Birthday and the National Anthem.

The lit beacon aflame.

Responses to Guildford Plays Its Part in Beacon Celebration of Queen’s 90th Birthday

Susie Habgood Reply

April 22, 2016 at 4:10 pm

Well kept secret!
Pete Brayne Reply

April 22, 2016 at 4:29 pm

Where’s the fire wood?

The beacon was fuelled by a propane gas cylinder. On the first occasion the current beacon basket is believed to have been used, in 1988 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, our Hon Remembrancer, Matthew Alexander, had problems lighting logs placed ready in the beacon despite them being pre-soaked in diesel fuel. Presumably after that gas was considered a more reliable option. Ed.
Bernard Parke Reply

April 22, 2016 at 9:01 pm

Yes. He said at tne time that he could not light it as it was no doubt because of Spanish sabotage.
Klara A Kind Reply

April 25, 2016 at 11:04 am

Our family would have attended – had we known about it. How is it I am missing news about events like this?

Having heard that there were concerns regarding the publicity for this event, we did run the story: Torchlight Procession And Lighting Of Beacons To Mark Queen’s 90th Birthday as our lead article for several days. We advise all readers to check The Dragon regularly for local stories etc. Ed.