Where are the Jubilee Beacons in Manchester? How to find your nearest one, when they will be lit

Celebrations for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee begin this week, with one of the first community events being the lighting of the Jubilee Beacons.

The lighting of the beacons will be done to mark the historic occasion, as Queen Elizabeth becomes the first monarch to reach a Platinum Jubilee.

Here’s what you need to know about the Jubilee Beacons, including where in Manchester they are located, when they will be lit, and some of the historical significance they hold.

What are the types of beacon?

There are three types of beacons that will be lit for the Platinum Jubilee.

These are:

Community Beacons – thousands of beacons will be lit by communities, charities and different groups throughout the regions of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

Commonwealth Beacons - beacons will be lit in all capital cities of the Commonwealth - 54 in total.

Principal Beacon - to be lit on 2 June.

Where are the beacons?

Thousands of beacons are to be lit across the world to celebrate the start of the Platinum Jubilee.

The Commonwealth Beacons will be lit in each country across the Commonwealth, including in each capital city.

More than 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

Where is the beacon in Manchester?

The beacon will be lit in St Peter’s Square in Manchester City Centre.

The lighting of the Beacon will be accompanied by live music performed by a Piper and the GMP band.

The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee weekend.

There will also be a beacon lit near Oldham Parish Church.

When will the beacons be lit?

The beacons across the UK will be lit in unison at 9.45pm on Thursday, 9.45pm.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “At 9:45pm on Thursday 2 June, a Beacon will be lit in St Peter’s Square to mark the historic occasion.

“The lighting of the Beacon will be accompanied by live music performed by a Piper and the GMP band.

“The Beacon is one of thousands being lit in the UK and the Commonwealth, and forms part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee weekend.”

What events are taking place in and around Manchester?

There is a selection of official events taking place in and around Manchester for the Platinum Jubilee.

Everything from the Manchester Flower Show to the Cheadle Arts Festival is included, and you can search the full list through the Platinum Jubilee website.

Can I register my local beacon event?

It’s not too late to register your beacon event as you have until 31 May to get yourself registered.

To register your beacon event, fill out and submit this registration form.

For more information on hosting a beacon event, visit the Platinum Jubilee website.