Where are the Jubilee Beacons in Newcastle? How to find your nearest one, when they will be lit

This week people across the nation will gather and take part in celebrations to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

As well as the traditional street parties and other organised events, over 2,800 Platinum Jubilee beacons will be lit around the world in celebration of the Queen’s 70-year reign.

There will be a beacon lit at every commonwealth city across the world.

So, when is the beacon in Newcastle being lit?

Here’s everything you need to know about the exciting event.

When is the Platinum Jubilee?

The official date of the Platinum Jubilee was 6 February, however, celebrations were delayed until June in the hopes of people being able to enjoy the bank holiday in nicer weather.

People across the country will have Thursday 2 June, and Friday 3 June off as a bank holiday to get a kick start on the celebrations.

When are the beacons being lit?

The first beacon will be lit on Thursday 2 June in Tonga and Samoa. The beacon will then make its way to Asia and throughout 19 African commonwealth states.

Following on from this, the trail will move into Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. The trail will make its final stop in Belize.

The beacon in Newcastle will be lit on Thursday 2 June, at the Newcastle Civic Centre. The catch the lighting go to the following address: Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 8QN, United Kingdom.

The event will offer an evening of family entertainment featuring the Mayor of Newcastle, and live music from the 1950’s to the present day.

The event will be hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle’s Alfie Joey, who will be joined by the Shoeshop Quartet, Chris Cowan, the Northern Monkey Brass Band, street theatre show Spark and a piper and bugler.

Find out more at the official Newcastle government website.

How do I find beacons near me?

You can find out more about events commemorating the Jubilee near your area on the official Platinum Jubilee website which has an event finder with lots of information on register events.

Why is the beacon lighting happening?

The official website of the Jubilee events has a statement on why they have decided to commemorate the occasion with the beacon lighting.

The website states:  “The Jubilee Beacons is one of the official events of the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 as part of an extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.

“The Jubilee Beacons will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.

“The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

Beacons are a huge tradition, used previously during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, as well as in 1977, 2002, 2012, as well as during Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday 6 years ago.

The website also talks about the history of using beacons to commemorate momentous occasions: “a beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration.”

During this year’s lighting of the Jubilee beacons, expect to hear a new song sung by choirs in all of the 54 Commonwealth countries.

Moments throughout Queen Elizabeth II reign

Throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s reign many things have changed throughout the world, and her personal life.

Here are just a few of the events that have happened during the reign of HRH:

• Her Coronation - 1952
• Beatle-mania - 1960s
• England’s World Cup win - 1966
• The European Union - 1973
• Visit to ROI - 2011
• Diamond Jubilee & Olympic Games - 2012
• Becoming the longest reigning monarch - 2015
• Prince Phillip’s death - 2021
• Coronavirus Pandemic - 2020