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Guernsey, Alderney and Sark have been included in plans for a chain of lit beacons to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
People across the islands will have a chance to witness the events this evening.
The lighting of the beacons to celebrate Royal occasions is part of a tradition which dates back hundreds of years. Beacons have been lit to mark the jubilees, weddings and coronations of many monarchs.
In 1897, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee saw a chain of beacons lit at towns, villages, seaside resorts and on cliff tops across the British Isles.
Queen Elizabeth II has previously seen her silver, golden and diamond jubilees marked with the lighting of beacons, along with her 90th birthday in 2016.
Pictured: Guernsey's official beacon will burn at Castle Cornet.
The official website for the Platinum Jubilee states that “more than 2,022 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories” and that the chain of beacons will also include “one in each of the capital cities of Commonwealth countries in recognition of The Queen’s long and selfless service”.
The beacons are intended to “enable local communities, individuals and organisations to pay tribute to her as part of the official Platinum Jubilee weekend of celebrations from 2 to 5 June 2022”.
Each of the beacon lighting ceremonies across the Bailiwick will take place this evening. In line with official guidance, they are all based on one of four types of beacon:
Communities with existing beacon braziers are encouraged to light them tonight.
The three official Bailiwick beacons are due to be lit at 21:45, in line with the chain across the British Isles.
Guernsey’s official Platinum Jubilee beacon has been set up at Castle Cornet. Alderney’s beacon is at The Butes. Sark’s is in Chris Rang’s sheep-racing field.
Pictured: Her Majesty The Queen is the UK's longest-serving and oldest monarch.
Castle Cornet opened to the public for a 21-gun salute at noon. The Castle is free to enter all day and will then close ahead of the Beacon lighting ceremony, which will be livestreamed on Facebook and on the official Jubilee Beacon website.
Other beacons will be lit across the Bailiwick by civic and parochial groups, including St Martin's Douzaine.
The Scouts will light one at Rue Mainguy in the Vale with tickets being sold as a fundraiser.
Between 18:00 and 21:30 there will be games, a campfire and food for sale as well as the lighting of the Scout’s beacon.
Guernsey's Girl Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and their families will see their beacon lit in a private event at Saumarez Park. Events are arranged from 19:30 to entertain the girls and their families.
Pictured: Guernsey's guiding families are joining together to mark the Platinum Jubilee, including by lighting a beacon during an event this evening.
The beacon in Alderney will be lit midway through an evening of fun planned at the Butes field. There will be live music, food and a beer tent.
The beacon will be lit by the President of the States of Alderney, William Tate, and Alderney Week stalwarts Ronnie Cairnduff and Barbara Benfield.
Sark’s beer tent opens at 19:00 with live music from Guernsey band Underdog, before and after the beacon lighting at 21:45.
Bailiwick ready for Jubilee parties
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