Wirral is one of thousands of places across the globe to take part in a centuries-old tradition to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Last night, over 100 people turned out to watch as the Mayor of Wirral, councillor Jeff Green, lit the Jubilee beacon at the Grand Entrance Archway at Birkenhead Park at 9.45pm. More than 3,500 beacons were simultaneously lit up around the UK and commonwealth, as the first day of the four-day celebrations drew to a close.
Bagpipes sounded and cheers of 'God save the Queen' rang out as the Mayor led the proceedings at the park. The Queen herself joined in the festivities, triggering the lighting of the principal beacon at Windsor Castle, whilst Prince William represented his grandmother, alongside other members of the Royal Family, at Buckingham Palace, the site of the "Tree of Trees" principal beacon.
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Yesterday marked the first time that beacons were lit in each of the Commonwealth's 54 capital cities, with hundreds of people also gathering at Liverpool's Pier Head, where incoming Lord Mayor Councillor Roy Gladden led the event in honour of Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.
Lighting beacons to mark Royal Jubilees, weddings and coronations has been a tradition observed for many centuries in the UK. In 1897, they were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, while the Queen has had them for her Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilees in 1977, 2002 and 2012, as well as her 90th birthday in 2016.
Hundreds of years ago, beacon chains were used as communication and navigation tools, but now they are perceived as symbol of unity at key moments of national significance. Last night's event was the first of an official programme of national celebrations which are set to take place over the bank holiday weekend.
However, Buckingham Palace have announced that the Queen will "reluctantly" miss today's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral later today service after feeling "some discomfort" at celebrations yesterday.
Over the coming days, a host of festivities are set to take place across Wirral to mark the historic occasion, including a Jubilee Picnic at Birkenhead Priory and a Platinum Jubilee Ball at Heswall Hall .A total of 78 roads are also set to be closed to traffic while street parties take place across the region.
