What time are the beacons being lit for the Jubilee?

On Thursday, June 2, three sorts of beacon-lighting celebrations will take place around the country and Commonwealth.

Local community and charity groups will light thousands of community beacons around towns and villages and at landmarks. In addition, 54 Commonwealth beacons will be illuminated in each of the Commonwealth’s capital cities.

The main beacon will be illuminated outside Buckingham Palace in the presence of the Royal Family.  The festivities begin at 2 p.m. when town criers read a proclamation announcing the lighting of beacons later that evening.

As night falls, beacon ceremonies will begin at about 9 p.m., with members of the Royal Family expected to arrive at the main lighting event at 9.25 p.m.

At 9.35 p.m., pipe bands will perform Diu Regnare (Long to Reign). At 9.40 p.m., an official Bugle Call entitled Majesty, developed particularly for the Jubilee will be played by bugle and cornet musicians.

What time are the beacons being lit for the Jubilee?

The beacons will be lit at exactly 9.45 p.m. on June 2, and communities will sing A Life Lived with Grace – the Song for the Commonwealth, which won a competition to be chosen as the official beacon song.