Communities across the Waveney Valley will be marking the Queen’s milestone 90th birthday on Thursday, April 21, with a number of commemorative events.

Bungay is joining in the national chain of beacons being lit throughout the country, having accepted the invitation alongside 850 other communities.

It will be lit at the castle at 9pm by town reeve Eamon Gaffney and Bungay mayor Olly Barnes.

A proclamation read by the town crier Martin Payne will precede it and three cheers will be raised for the Queen, who became this country’s longest reigning monarch in September when she passed Queen Victoria’s reign, which lasted 63 years and 216 days.

A larger event is also planned for Bungay on June 10, which will end with the lighting of the beacon and a fireworks display.

In Beccles, guests from churches and schools will be assembling at the Leman House Garden at Beccles Museum to witness the planting of a tree and unveiling of a plaque in Her Majesty’s honour, as well as the uncovering of a seat to commemorate the mid-point of the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

The event starts at noon and will include prayers. Afterwards the bells will be rung from St Michael’s Church and guests will be invited to sing the national anthem.

Beccles mayor Hugh Taylor said: “The town and community of Beccles extends to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth their most sincere congratulations on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.

“In addition, on June 11, the Beccles cadet units will be lighting the town beacon at Beccles Quay. We wish Her Majesty a very happy birthday, long may she reign!”

At Ringsfield Church at 3pm on April 21, a Matinee Mosaic will celebrate the Queen’s birthday with a programme of readings about England and Englishness. Entry and special afternoon tea refreshments are free, although donations to the church’s Fabric Fund would be appreciated.

And over in Topcroft, a beacon will be lit at 8pm on the playing field, followed by refreshments.

More than 7,000 school children are sending birthday messages to the Queen. They are being published in a series of supplements in the Eastern Daily Press on April 18, April 19 and April 20. The EDP on April 21 will include 90 Glorious Years - a 40-page supplement about the Queen’s life and her links with Norfolk. And on April 22, the EDP will be reporting on celebrations across the region for the Queen’s birthday.

Are you organising an event? Email bbj.news@archant.co.uk