Beacons to be lit in city to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday

A beacon is to be lit outside Leeds Minster by the Lord Mayor Councillor Judith Chapman this Thursday as the city celebrates Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th birthday.

The lighting of the beacon at the minister from 8.30pm will be one of a number of beacons to be lit in the city and right across the UK and Commonwealth on Thursday 21 April to mark the occasion. Before the lighting outside the minster, a written message by The Prince of Wales will also be read out by the Lord Mayor.

Other beacons to be lit in Leeds include at Woodhall Hills in Calverley, which will also begin at 8.30pm, and at Manor Garth Hill in Kippax.

It is estimated that over 1,000 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories and Commonwealth to celebrate this landmark birthday. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will invite Her Majesty The Queen to light the Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle. The Army Cadet Force will also be taking special gas fuelled beacons to the top of the four highest peaks in the UK at Ben Nevis, Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Chapman said:

“It is an absolute privilege and honour to be able to gather with the people of Leeds outside the minster this Thursday at 8.30pm, as we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90^th birthday by lighting a beacon.

“The event at the minster is one of a number of beacon lighting ceremonies to be held across the city on Thursday on what promises to be a really memorable occasion.”

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk