Watch: The royal beacon is lit in York to mark the Queen’s ‘extraordinary service’

A beacon was lit in York tonight (Thursday) in tribute to the Queen’s ‘extraordinary, unparalleled’ service to the country.

The ceremony, echoing more than 2,000 similar events across the country, drew a large crowd to Library Lawn.

Music was provided by a quartet from the Shepherd Group Brass Brand – including, cheekily, a rendition of the Grand Old Duke Of York.

Then Lord Mayor of York Cllr David Carr began the ceremony.

“I’m delighted to welcome you all this evening as we join with more than 2,022 locations across the United Kingdom and UK overseas territories, as well as the capital cities of Commonwealth countries, in lighting a beacon in recognition of the Queen’s long and selfless service,” he said.

“Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to this country is unparalleled. It is right that we should gather to express our appreciation and gratitude.

“This is a moment of remarkable celebration, as we join together across different generations, different faiths, and different communities all over the world in marking Her Majesty’s historic 70 years of service to her country and to the Commonwealth.”

Piper Karen Hayes of the York Pipe Band then played Long To Reign, a specially written tune for the jubilee.

Then, Alex Brown of the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment played the bugle call Majesty, again especially written to fanfare the lighting of the beacons.

After that, and at precisely 9.45pm to match with the beacons being lit throughout the Commonwealth, the Lord Mayor used a flaming torch to set York’s alight, with a resounding ‘God save the Queen’.

The Dunnington Community Choir then performed another new musical piece for the jubilee, Song For The Commonwealth – and that marked the end of a busy and impressive day’s jubilee celebrations in York.