Beacon ceremonies held across Kent for Platinum Jubilee
Published: 10:32, 03 June 2022
Updated: 14:14, 03 June 2022
People across the county got into the Jubilee spirit last night.
More than 1,500 beacons were lit in the UK, with many taking place in Kent.
The ceremonies took place at 9.45pm, where gas fuelled beacons, braziers and bonfires were lit simultaneously.
In Chatham, the ceremony was held at Victoria Gardens, in Fort Pitt Hill.
A bonfire was started by Cllr Vince Maple, along with two members of a local Scout group.
He said: “It was a real honour to light the beacon on behalf of the people of Chatham.
"Chatting to people beforehand many were pleased to be able to come together as a community in this way to recognise 70 years of service by Her Majesty The Queen.
"My thanks to all those who helped organise the event as well as a special thank you to Lola from the local Explorers and Emily from the local Guides for their help with torch duties.”
Gravesend had two lightings – one at the Civic Centre and the other on Windmill Hill.
In Vigo Village, people enjoyed drinks at The Villager pub before making their way over to the village green for the lighting.
A resident played the Last Post on the trumpet before the beacon was lit and people gathered around to take photos.
Today, a street party will be held in The Bay which will include a fancy dress competition, and on Saturday the village’s water tower will be lit up red, white and blue.
The village of Mersham, near Ashford, held their ceremony at the Millennium Green park, in Church Road.
Dover saluted the Queen with a double beacon lighting.
This took place both at the town castle and seafront.
One was held at the Clock Tower Square, which was officiated by Mayor Gordon Cowan.
The audience cheered and clapped as two torchbearers set the beacon alight.
Dover Castle was not open to the public for its beacon lighting but people were able to follow it from home via a live link.
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Cara Simmonds