Queen’s birthday marked with beacon lighting events in Bungay and Topcroft

Amy Smith

Published: 11:19 AM April 22, 2016 Updated: 8:08 PM October 10, 2020

Crowds gather at the beacon lighting event in Bungay. - Credit: Archant

Bungay celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday last night with the lighting of the town beacon at the castle.

Bungay mayor Olly Barnes and town reeve Eamon Gaffney lighting the beacon. - Credit: Archant

A crowd of around 300 gathered to hear the town crier, Martin Payne, read a proclamation congratulating the monarch on reaching the milestone and pledging the continuing support and loyalty of Bungay citizens.

Town reeve Eamon Gaffney and town mayor Olly Barnes then lit the beacon as the crowd raised three cheers for Her Majesty, sang happy birthday, and finished with the singing of the National Anthem. With the Castle floodlit as a back-drop to the ceremony there was an atmospheric and uplifting feel to the proceedings.

Bungay is planning another celebration on June 10, the weekend of the Queen’s official birthday, when there will be musical entertainment, a hog roast, free hot dogs for children, competitions, a bar, and the lighting of the beacon, followed by a fireworks display.

A similar event was also held in Topcroft with a beacon being lit in the Queen’s honour on the playing field, followed by refreshments.

The beacon lighting in Topcroft to mark the Queen;s 90th birthday. - Credit: Archant