Daventry to light beacon to mark the Queen's 90th birthday

From left, DDC Community Projects Officer Gemma Mason, Chief Executive Ian Vincent, Deputy Chief Executive Simon Bovey and Community Projects Officer Emma Parry with the metal rose which will form the top of the official beacon.

The beacon is one of over 1,000 being lit across the UK on the evening of Thursday, 21 April.

People from across Daventry District are invited to go along to the ceremony, which starts at 7pm and includes an exclusive performance by members of Daventry Brass.

Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Shepherd-Cross, will be lighting the gas-fuelled beacon on Borough Hill at 7.30pm.

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, will start the commemorations that evening by lighting the Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle.

Ian Vincent, chief executive of Daventry District Council which is organising the event, said: “It’s a great privilege to be involved in these nationwide celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

“We are delighted to be lighting our commemorative beacon on Borough Hill, which is an important landmark in our District and steeped in national history.

“With the Deputy Lord Lieutenant attending and music provided by Daventry Brass, there will be a real sense of occasion and I would encourage families to come along.”

Ken Ewer, chairman of Daventry Brass, said: “Daventry Brass is proud to be associated with these local celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday. We’re looking forward to marking this special occasion with members of our local community.

“We are a friendly, welcoming band who enjoys making music and involving our audiences in our performances.”