Patriotic crowds turned out to Manchester city centre on Thursday evening to mark the official lighting of the beacon, as the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend continues. A countdown was held in St Peter's Square, although there was some confusion among spectators due to a delay in all the electronic lights being switched on.
After a few moments, the lights beamed up towards the sky, following a day that saw Mancunians celebrate in royal fashion across the region. Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Donna Ludford lit the beacon, spanning a towering column of light into the sky
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Cllr Ludford described the event as 'fantastic'. She said: "It's brought communities together, it was amazing. It will never happen again. Everyone is here to celebrate."
Speaking about the delay mishap, she said 'things happen' adding 'I don't think anyone noticed did they.'
The beacon, which beamed from St Peter's Square at 9.45pm, is one of over 1,500 lit up by charities, communities and faith groups across the UK and Commonwealth for Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The ceremony formed as part of the series of events announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee weekend, as the Queen became the first British monarch to reach the milestone of a 70 year reign.
It was a way to end a day that kicked off large street parties and proud nods to British history across the region. Thousands hit the pubs and tucked into buffets, as Union Jack bunting lined roads and gardens. The Manchester Evening News ventured out to see how Mancs were celebrating throughout Thursday.
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Other beacons were also lit in Bury, Carrington, Oldham, Saddleworth, Salford, Stockport and the Trafford Centre.
Live music from the Greater Manchester Police band welcomed crowds shortly after 9pm, followed by music from piper Dave McLaughlin. This was shortly followed by the lighting of the beacon, which saw impressive lasers beam from Manchester's Central Library and more live music from the Royal Northern College of Music.
Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacons, said: "The Beacons will enable local communities to join together and pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official programme of events.
"For the first time town criers, pipers, buglers and choirs from the UK and the Commonwealth will come together to join in the celebrations in their own individual and special way. It is wonderful to see the range of support for beacon lighting which will highlight both the diversity and the unity of the nation.
"The Queen has lit up our lives for seventy years through her dedicated service and commitment. We would like to light up the nation and the Commonwealth in her honour."
