An event is being staged in Bungay on Wednesday, September 9, to celebrate the day the Queen becomes the longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom.
The Bungay Beacon Night will take place at the Castle Meadow, starting at 6pm with a proclamation by the town reeve Terry Reeve announcing the historic moment and offering Bungay’s loyal congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II.
It will be followed by activities including the judging of a children’s painting competition for the best portrait of the Queen, a Punch and Judy show, and music from Bungay High School rock group Highs and Lows. There will be a bar and hot dogs, with free hot dogs for the children, as well as singing with community involvement from the combined choirs of the Bungay Choral Society and the new youth choir Cantaria.
The lighting of the beacon will take place at 8.45pm, and the evening will end with the singing of the National Anthem and a short fireworks display.
On that date the length of the Queen’s reign will overtake that of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Mr Reeve said: “We want it to be a community event for all the family, and admission is free. The only limitation is on numbers – we are limited to 500 for safety reasons, so I do urge people to get there in good time.” Mr Reeve will light the beacon with the mayor Olly Barnes, and announcements will be by the town crier, Martin Payne.
Buckingham Palace has calculated that Queen Victoria reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes, taking into account 63 years, 15 leap days, additional months and days and the precise timings of her accession and death. Queen Elizabeth II will enter the history books when she overtakes that record, taking into account 63 years plus 16 leap days, additional months and days and the timing of her father, George VI’s, death.
•To coincide with the occasion, our sister paper the Eastern Daily Press will be publishing a special tribute to Elizabeth II available for £9.95 from local newsagents and the Beccles and Bungay Journal office.
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