THE night skies above Northwich will be well and truly lit up as the town marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

One of hundreds across the country, the beacon will be lit during a ceremony that begins at 9.15pm on Thursday, June 2.

The 30-foot-tall metal beacon has already been installed at Verdin Park, on the verges adjacent to Castle Hill.

The event, along with Verdin Park Music Festival, is the town’s way of celebrating Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

Northwich Guardian: The beacon has been installed in Verdin ParkThe beacon has been installed in Verdin Park

The lighting of beacons across the country is actually a long and unbroken tradition as a way to celebrate royal jubilees, weddings and coronations.

In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.

Chris Shaw, the town clerk, said he hoped the public would embrace the occasion and turn out to support the event.

“The beacon will be lit by the mayor and some local school children at 9.45pm on Thursday, June 2, which will coincide with beacons lighting up and down the country.

“There will be a short service starting at 9.30pm and the venue will be on the banks of Verdin Park next to Castle Street.

“The beacon is now installed and ready for lighting.

“Many thanks to AG Tree Care for helping with the installation.”

Northwich Guardian: The beacon will be lit on Thursday, June 2The beacon will be lit on Thursday, June 2

The ceremony will be one of the first civic duties of the town’s new mayor, Cllr Graham Emmett, who was appointed on May 16.